Tiny hands, big imaginations, and a sprinkle of confidence are the secret ingredients behind Culinary Kids, an extra mural programme that is turning classrooms into mini kitchens and young pupils into budding chefs.
What started as a leap of faith for sisters Tyla Tesmer and Sharene Richter has grown into a popular programme that is teaching children far more than how to follow a recipe.
Through fun, hands-on cooking classes, youngsters are learning valuable life skills, while discovering the joy of creating something delicious from scratch.
Culinary Kids has been making a meaningful impact across schools in and around KuGompo for the past four years.
The sisters, who have always shared a passion for working with children, embraced the opportunity to become franchise holders and introduce the programme to their community.
“We worked hard to introduce Culinary Kids to our community, not knowing what the response would be,” Tesmer said.
“We were amazed by the support we received in our very first year, and since then we have continued to grow from strength to strength.”
Their 40-minute classes are designed to be both fun and educational, offering children aged three to nine a hands-on introduction to the culinary world.
However, the lessons extend far beyond the kitchen.
“Our classes teach valuable life skills such as independence, confidence, and the ability to follow instructions carefully.
“We also focus on kitchen safety and introduce children to a variety of tools and ingredients in a responsible way.”
Each session brings a new recipe and a fresh learning experience, often incorporating broader educational themes such as environmental awareness. This keeps pupils engaged while encouraging them to become thoughtful and responsible individuals.
The programme’s growth has been driven not only by its expansion into more schools, but by the enthusiasm of the children themselves.
“One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing the curiosity our little chefs show towards different foods and ingredients,” the sisters said.
“Their excitement and willingness to try new things have played a big role in our journey.”
For many parents, the impact of Culinary Kids is seen at home.
“Culinary Kids has definitely been an amazing extra mural I put Levi in,” said Kay-Leigh Logan.
“He’s become more hands-on in the kitchen at home. Tyla is amazing, and Levi can’t wait for his Thursday cooking classes with ‘Aunty Tyla’.”
She highly recommended the programme to other parents: “If you’re unsure about which extra mural to choose, Culinary Kids is a must.”
Moments like these, the sisters say, are what continue to inspire them.
From heartfelt letters written by children to messages from parents sharing their excitement, the impact of the programme is both visible and deeply rewarding.
What sets Culinary Kids apart is its hands-on approach, where each child is given the opportunity to create something themselves, building confidence and a sense of achievement.
“It’s not just about making food. It’s about teaching independence, teamwork, and responsibility in a fun and engaging way.”
Looking ahead, the sisters hope to continue expanding their reach while staying true to their mission.
“Our goal is to introduce even more children to the joy of cooking,” they said.
“We want to keep creating a positive learning environment where children can build confidence, develop valuable life skills, and create lasting memories.”
