SurfAid Community Facilitor Wati held a cooking and nutrition class for Care Group mothers from the hamlets (dusun) of Mongan Bosua, Katiet and Sao in April.

About 20 mothers attended the day-long workshop which incorporated a range of activities at the Quiksilver SurfAid Community Health Training Centre.

The mothers collected a variety of locally available, healthy food and, under the guidance and instruction of Wati, they prepared three different types of meals that would be ideal for pregnant mothers, babies under 12 months and infants under five.

Following the preparation of the food, the women discussed the elements of what constitutes good nutrition and a balanced, healthy meal – and the reasons for doing so.

Recent SurfAid research throughout the Mentawai has shown high levels of malnutrition and anaemia in children and pregnant mothers.

The Care Group mothers also assessed the elements of a good, working kitchen that is demonstrated at the Centre, which includes ventilation, good natural lighting, running water and large workspaces.

Katiet program site manager, Matt King, said the day was very enjoyable and a big learning experience for all the women.

“There was a lot of laughter and enthusiasm for the day’s lessons,” Matt said. “The women were all very interested in learning more about nutritious meals and the correct portions of vegetables, protein and rice. 

“There is an issue where people just eat to satisfy their hunger without any consideration to the nutritional content. So we discussed proportions and adding colour to meals – which is your leaf vegetables, carrots, tomatoes and so on.”

The kitchen’s functionality received great comments because it is bigger than most Mentawai village kitchens and is much better ventilated, as the Mentawaians cook inside using firewood. 

“All in all, the women’s feedback was that it is also much more comfortable to use and it got people thinking about the role of the kitchen in the home and the various elements that make up a good working kitchen,” Matt said.

“At the end we all sat together and enjoyed a late, nutritious lunch and everyone left with a smile on their face.”