Children turn little chefs at TS govt school

Pahadishareef: With the intention of making the young students learn about the importance of nutritious food and balanced diet, the State-run Mandal Parishad Primary School at Wadi-e-Huda near here, picked up a novel idea and organised a 'food festival' on Saturday.

The teachers not only dressed the students as 'little chefs,' but encouraged them to bring food from their houses for celebrating the event in a unique way. The programme which witnessed overwhelming response from parents as well as the locals was a feast to the eyes of children, who were excited to be a part of the event.

"For ensuring that the children consume nutritious and balanced food, after through consultation we decided to organise this programme," said Mohammed Rafi, the headmaster. A day before the food festival, the students were asked to bring food, fruits and anything they like, thereby stirring enthusiasm amongst the students. To witness the unfolding event, locals from the area also visited the school including some leaders.

Later on, the students also sold the food to locals, who were interested relishing the taste of the food festival. Biryani of different types including chicken, mutton and veg, was also sold at a nominal price, besides alu paratha, kheema, Chicken 65, jowar roti, ragi jawa, fruits, juices, double ka meetha, shirkhurma and other items to locals.

"Teachers explained to the students about the presence of nutritional values like protein, vitamin, minerals in food items and importance of consuming seasonal fruits in practical way. They also asked the students to not indulge in wastage of food," explained Rafi.

The programme was attended by former MPTC Sheikh Afzal, local leader Altaf Hussain amidst the presence of school teachers, Rafi Prakash, Masarrath, Sana Tehrim, Arshiya Begum, Anjum and Riyaz who helped organise the event.