Jeloff rice, rice and stew, fruit and vegetable salad, and various vegetable soups, were visible.

Class Six pupils in the Littoral Region on May 24, 2016, undertook practicals of the First School Leaving Certificate examination, FSLC. One of the examination centres, Government Bilingual Primary School, Petit Joss, Douala, accommodated several schools, with children showcasing their knowhow in cookery.

Most of the pupils, cooking for the first time, were excited, while those who have been helping their parents in the kitchen found it normal. The practicals, which are prerequisite for sitting the FSLC on June 14 and 15, 2016, saw pupils preparing meals like rice and stew, plantain and bitter herbs, and jeloff rice. Others prepared fruit and vegetable salad or just set the table. Little Kelvine Njilo of Government Bilingual Primary School, Petit Joss, who prepared ripe plantain and strew, said cooking was not new to her. “I always prepare spaghetti at home and I know just what species and quantity to use,” she said.

Little boys are no longer ignorant when it comes to cooking. Ten-year-old Brian Ayuk, who was about preparing jeloff rice using a kerosene stove, was confident he will make it after saying he prepares food for his two younger brothers whenever the mother is sick. Sophie Anoushka of Gaislutins Primary School, Bonapriso, Douala, dressed a dining table, placing cutlery in their positions.