“We were blessed to be part of a community cook event in Sri Lanka, share in the food & experience. Our son was given the opportunity to experience first hand cooking alongside other children, exploring smells, tastes, and textures in ways that went far beyond following a recipe. It was hands-on education at its best. Then they took over a formal kitchen and served dinner to over 50 people. The pride on his face—the sense that he’d contributed something real—that’s something we won’t forget.

The impact here is tangible—children gaining confidence and skills, strangers becoming collaborators, communities strengthening around a simple act of cooking and sharing a meal together.

You don’t often meet people who’ve thought this deeply about how to use what they love to genuinely better the world around them. The fact that they’re taking this on the road, building these programs as they travel, speaks to a commitment that goes beyond good intentions.

Honestly, this project is going to become a movement & we are so blessed to have been part of it. If you have the opportunity to experience or be part of this movement, do not hesitate.”

- Tegan Lloyd

“After learning and practicing together, the children helped to cook a shared meal for the wider Elements community. It was moving to watch them feel proud, capable, and connected, knowing they were contributing something real and nourishing to others. This project was about much more than cooking - it was about collaboration, responsibility, generosity, and the joy of feeding people together. A heart-led initiative that left a lasting impression on both the children and the community.”

Daniella Sofer - Founder of Elements Worldschool (Sri Lanka)

Thanks so much for today. And thanks to Oscar as well. You’re a great chef! Those quesadillas you made were absolutely delicious! 👌

You were so lovely with Andrew as well, thank you, I really appreciate it. You have a lovely calm and positive demeanour and I love that it was all about empowering the kids to do things themselves.

- Nina

"The community cook project was an amazing initiative where Andy taught and got the kids interested and involved in cooking in such a natural and engaging way. The kids did a practice run learning the cooking together then did it on a larger scale for the whole community. It was a wonderful event that brought the whole community closer together over delicious food and passing on valuable skills to the kids to help them get excited about food and cooking. Thank you Andy, it was so much fun. Wilfy still talks about the chicken and dumplings now.”

- Tom & Ros Shortland