Training for MDM cooks and helpers launched in Peren

DIMAPUR — In continuation with the state-level capacity-building initiative for mid-day meal (MDM) cooks and helpers across government schools in Nagaland, the third-phase training-cum-cooking competition for cooks under the PM Poshan scheme was launched at Government Middle School (GMS), Peren town, on July 18.

An update from the Community Educational Centre Society (CECS) stated that the third-phase training programme will be held from July 18 to July 29 across Peren, Kohima, Tseminyu, Wokha and Mokokchung districts.

The It added that the first and second phases were successfully conducted in Dimapur, Dhansiriphar, Niuland and Medziphema in December 2024 and January 2025, where more than 600 cooks from government schools received practical training and exposure to safe, hygienic and nutritious cooking practices.

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In his opening remarks, Watimeren, SDEO of Tenning, welcomed the participants and acknowledged the quiet but essential role of school cooks.

“Your work goes beyond the kitchen. You contribute directly to student’s health, attendance and academic performance,” he said.

The director of Community Educational Centre Society (CECS), Subonenba Longkumer, introduced the training initiative. He shared that CECS has been managing a centralised kitchen in Dimapur, delivering hot cook meals with the capacity to serve 7000+ children daily.

“We have trained over 600 government school cooks in the last training phase. Despite the challenges in the mid-day meal system, we’ve always believed in one principle serve happily and make the best use of locally available resources,” Longkumer said.

Delivering the keynote address, Khriekethozo Lhoungu, nodal officer of PM POSHAN from the directorate of School Education, Kohima, stressed the importance of proper training for cooks and helpers to ensure that every child receives safe, healthy and nutritious meals at school. He also emphasised the need for teamwork, creativity and motivation among the cook-cum-helper.

“A child who eats well, learns better and comes to school with interest. Nutrition is the foundation of education,” Lhoungu said.

He further acknowledged the efforts of frontline food service providers.

The technical session was led by Supong Longkumer, entrepreneur and certified chef from Queen Margret University, Edinburgh. He conducted a live cooking demonstration and interactive session, focusing on food safety, hygiene, nutrition, and simple but effective techniques for preserving food value in school kitchens.

The event was attended by Dr. Chuba Imchen, joint director of School Education, along with the SMC chairman and head teacher of GPS Peren.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Toshi Aier, programme officer of CECS.

Meanwhile, it informed that training would continue in Kohima, Tseminyu, Wokha and Mokokchung districts with hands-on training sessions, cooking competitions and knowledge sharing platforms aimed at enhancing the role of cooks in the school nutrition programme.

It further stated that the PM POSHAN cook-cum-helpers training and cooking competition, implemented by CECS in partnership with the Directorate of School Education, remains committed to ensuring that every school kitchen in Nagaland is equipped with the skills, confidence and care needed to nourish every child’s right to good health and education.