This season, we had the privilege of bringing our Meal Prep with Me2 programme to the vibrant youths at YMCA, where learning, laughter, and delicious aromas filled every session. Designed for youths with disabilities, this programme offers more than cooking lessons. It empowers students to build independence, practise life skills, and experience the joy of creating something with their own hands.
Across the weeks, our trainers guided the youths through a beautifully curated menu of Asian and international favourites. Each dish was chosen not only for its flavour, but for the opportunity it offered to practise sequencing, measuring, basic cooking techniques, teamwork, and following routines.
One of the highlights was preparing biryani, where students learned to layer fragrant rice with spices, vegetables, and aromatics. The rhythmic steps of washing rice, mixing spices, and watching colours blend together helped them understand the flow of a multi-step dish while building patience and coordination.
Their creativity shone during the session on mango sticky rice, as they worked with fresh mangoes and warm glutinous rice, learning to plate the dessert with care and pride. The excitement was just as high when they crafted snowskin mooncakes, moulding soft pastel dough around lotus paste and discovering the joy of making a festive treat by hand.
The youths also enjoyed exploring local flavours through laksa, where they learned to assemble noodles, vegetables, and toppings before ladling rich broth over their bowls.
Throughout the programme, what stood out most was the enthusiasm and determination each youth brought to the kitchen. With every session, they became more independent, more curious, and more confident in their ability to complete tasks, try new foods, and work collaboratively.
Meal Prep with Me2 continues to be one of our most impactful life skills programmes, and we are grateful for the opportunity to journey alongside the YMCA youths. Experience our magic yourselves, book a session at +65 8842 2471 or write in to askme@me2.com.sg.