Situated in the heart of South Africa's educational hub, UP is setting a shining example of how community engagement can create meaningful connections and enhance the educational experience. Recently, the university organised a unique event that brought together seven teachers from different schools across the community spectrum and staff and final-year students from the Consumer Science Department for a Meal Prep Workshop. This collaborative effort promoted a recently published Meal Prep Recipe book. In so doing, it provided valuable culinary training for teachers. It fostered a sense of community engagement, thereby extending benefits far beyond the kitchen.

The event was meticulously designed and planned in recognition of the need for ongoing professional development to enable teachers to improve their skills and knowledge. The workshop was an opportunity to offer these educators healthier food choices to enhance their culinary skills by learning how to prepare healthy and balanced meals efficiently, enabling them to make and improve their meal preparation techniques. These skills could be shared with their students, promoting a healthier eating culture within the broader community. The university strengthened links with the surrounding neighbourhoods by inviting teachers from the local community to participate. This initiative was part of the institution's commitment to give back to the surrounding communities. The event enabled the Consumer Science Department to highlight its nutrition, food preparation, and meal planning expertise. This event was about sharing knowledge and demonstrating the practical application of academic expertise.

The seven schoolteachers who attended the workshop paid for by the University.
Left to right: Annene Barnard, Sonia Lotz, Rozanne Grobbelaar, Florette Le Roux, Lorraine Sibiya, Gloria Madiba, Given Ramagofu, and Sophy Mphela.

Seven teachers who attended the event allowed the University to connect with local teachers to build trust and goodwill. This positive relationship can lead to future collaborations and opportunities for shared resources, ultimately benefitting the community. The event showcased the university's commitment to practical learning and its dedication to providing real-world solutions. This event reinforced the university's reputation as an institution that engages with and serves its community. Participants had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with colleagues from various schools, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among educators. In addition to professional development, the workshop promoted healthier eating habits within the community. Attending teachers can now advocate for nutritious meals in their schools and homes.

The collaboration with the Consumer Science Department was pivotal in making the Meal Prep Workshop a success. The department's expertise in nutrition, food preparation, and meal planning provided the foundation for the event's curriculum. Their Faculty members led informative sessions, ensuring that the workshop was not just about cooking but also about understanding the nutritional value of meals.

The fourth-year hospitality students who worked at the community engagement event with the author of the Meal Prep recipe book.
Left to right: Kristen Toward, Kelly Scholesser, Vickie De Beer, Melissa Cliff, Nadia Van Rensburg, Marcel Mills.
Bottom left to right: Anje Watt, Shreya Beekham

Moreover, the Consumer Science Department's involvement demonstrated the university's commitment to bridging the gap between academia and practical application. The university showcased its dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and community engagement by involving local teachers.

The Meal Prep Workshop organised by UP, in collaboration with the Consumer Science Department, exemplifies the power of community engagement in education. By providing teachers with professional development opportunities, strengthening community ties, and promoting healthier eating habits, this event showcased the university's commitment to its mission. It's not just an event but a testament to how institutions can serve as pillars of support and enrichment for their communities. Through initiatives like these, UP is educating minds, nourishing bodies, and fostering a sense of togetherness that transcends the classroom.