EVENTS
EVENT REPORT
SALNAM Cooking Class for Kids
Theme: Help our Kids to Connect with Sierra Leone through Food
Date: April 3-5, 2025
Venue: Winnipeg, Manitoba (Virtual and In-Person Sessions)
Organized by: Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM)
Number of Participants: 20
The Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM) successfully hosted a three-day Cooking Class for Kids from April 3-5, 2025. The program was designed to connect children of Sierra Leonean heritage to their roots through learning how to prepare traditional Sierra Leonean dishes.
The cooking class commenced with an online Zoom session attended by participants and community members. The session was led by Mrs. Margaret Conteh, a respected community elder. Mrs. Conteh provided an engaging historical background on Cassava Leaves, explaining its origins from Brazil and its evolution into a staple dish in Sierra Leonean cuisine. She detailed its preparation process and highlighted its nutritional value, including its richness in vitamins and health-promoting elements.
The second day featured an in-person, hands-on cooking demonstration led by Madam Nyallay Jabati. Participants, both kids and adults, were guided step-by-step in preparing Okra Stew, a beloved Sierra Leonean delicacy. The session was interactive, with participants asking questions, practicing cooking techniques, and sharing personal food stories.
The final day showcased a vibrant cooking session where participants prepared three key dishes: Cassava Leaves, Jollof Rice with Stew, Cakes and Benin Cake. Mrs. Margaret Conteh led the session, supported by Madam Halimatu and Mariatu Kamaras. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, laughter, and learning. Participants not only cooked but also shared a communal meal together, celebrating the fruits of their labor.
The event was attended by over 20 participants, including children, parents, and elders. The sessions received positive feedback from participants who commended the interactive nature of the classes, the practical skills gained, and the cultural stories shared. Parents expressed appreciation for SALNAM’s initiative in promoting cultural preservation, healthy eating, and community engagement among the younger generation.
A participant remarked: “I am happy that my child can now cook okra stew and knows the story behind it — this is how we keep our heritage alive.”
The 2025 Cooking Class for Kids has demonstrated the importance of food as a cultural heritage tool, a health-promoting resource, and a bridge between generations. SALNAM remains committed to organizing future programs that foster cultural education, community engagement, and healthy living.
SALNAM extends sincere appreciation to the following facilitators for their valuable contributions: Mrs. Margaret Conteh, Madam Nyallay Jabati, Madam Halimatu, and Mariatu Kamaras. Special thanks to all participants, parents, and volunteers who made the event a success.
By
Amadu Sidi Bah
