The South Kingsville Community Centre is helping the disabled create the delicious.
Thanks to funding from the state government’s Learn Local program, the centre has been offering cooking classes to adults with mild intellectual disabilities.
Under the guidance of qualified pastry chef, Sallie Davies, participants learn how to prepare meals, follow recipes, operate kitchen appliances and clean up afterwards.
“Learning to cook is a necessary life skill however, for many people with a disability, it can be both overwhelming and challenging,” said centre manager Alexandra Jedlicko, adding that the classes were aimed at those with a low level of health literacy.
“This course is designed to gently introduce the basics of nutrition and how this connects to their overall health and well-being.”
The emphasis on health and wellbeing means every class begins with mindfulness exercises and a range of other physical activities, before students get together to discuss the day’s topic and the recipes they need to follow.
They then get to work creating meals such as soups, salads, dumplings and curries from a wide range of cuisines.
“I recently observed them making Japanese pancakes which required a number of ingredients and quite a bit of skill,” said Ms Jedlicko, adding that the teamwork and camaraderie participants get from cooking, eating and cleaning together was as important as any other skill they might learn.
“This program is as much about health and cooking as it is building life skills and reducing social isolation.”
Email, programs@skcc.net.au or visit www.skcc.net.au for more information.
