ISA Dossier Project Report 2019-20 (Hollotoli School)_final

BRITISH COUNCIL ISA PROJECT ON “SLOW FOOD – A STEP TOWARDS PRESERVING INDIGENOUS CUISINE” REPORT ON THE COOK-OFF (CLASS- VIII) A cook-off was held on the 21st of January, 2020 for the students of class VIII as part of the activities under the project “Slow Food – A step towards preserving indigenous cuisine”. The students displayed promising culinary skills and prepared a variety of indigenous dishes.

Group photo of Participants, Judges and Teachers In-charge of the Cook-Off

The guest judge for the event was Chef Joel Basumatari who is the founder of Slow Food Community Nagaland for Biodiversity and Heritage Preservation. He also addressed the senior school assembly and gave an interesting presentation on Slow Food. The competition was also adjudged by our Principal Mrs. Suparna Roychoudhury and Mrs. Caroline, Head of Boarding. Judges for the Cook-Off Each group consisted of three students and there were a total of ten groups. The participants were given one hour to prepare and present their dishes. The competition area was enveloped in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and dynamism once the competition began. Each dish was assessed on the following criteria:  Taste - A subjective category based on the judge’s expertise  Creativity – Innovative use of ingredients  Teamwork – Evenly distributed workload, team cohesiveness and communication  Hygiene – Cleanliness and tidiness of work station  Timing – Ability to complete the dish within the stipulated time limit  Presentation – The overall appearance of the dis

A glimpse of the scrumptious delights prepared by the students Chicken with Chicken mushroom, in red chilly bamboo shoot paste and organic with spices served papaya with rice salad cooked in coconut milk Aloo paratha with Smoked chicken Indian condiments with bamboo shoot

The first prize was bagged by Group 4 with their delectable Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli and grapes salad.

The crowd pleasing Puri Sabji prepared by Group 6 secured first runners up

The second runners up went to Group 2 with their dish, Miso soup and Papaya salad

The judges and teachers were impressed with the way the students executed the respective dishes. It was a memorable day at school where food brought students closer to their roots. Junior chefs at work



Judges trying out the dishes made by the students

Amateur cooks in action



Snapshots of the participants

Cook-Off final scores by the judges

Final Score sheet and the winners

Notice sent to parents of the participants regarding the Cook-Off

Chef Joel Basumatari’s Facebook post on the Cook-Off challenge

Presentation by Guest Speaker Chef Joel Basumatari, the guest judge for the Cook-Off also gave a presentation in the senior school assembly on the 21st of January, 2020. Being the pioneer of Slow Food movement in Nagaland, he enlightened the minds of the students about the concept of Slow Food. He highlighted the principles of Slow Food and emphasised on the importance of organic food. In his presentation, he gave many examples of the projects that are being carried out in Nagaland under the Slow Food movement. The students were captivated by his lecture and gained a better understanding about Slow Food. Chef Joel’s presentation during the school assembly.

Initiatives under Slow Food movement in Nagaland







Students’ feedback















Conclusion Our journey through this ISA activity has been extremely gratifying and enriching which enabled us to explore the diverse ethnic cuisines of India, Japan and Thailand. The students have ventured into the indigenous cuisines of India, Japan and Thailand crossing over geographical boundaries and barriers. They have developed an insight about the unique ethnicity of the respective cuisines and have also realised a few similarities that exist among the cuisines. The students took part in all the activities with immense zeal and enthusiasm. The students have also learnt the basic skills required to prepare some local indigenous foods through the Cook-Off. This entire activity has taught them something beyond their curriculum. It was a rewarding experience for both the teachers as well as the students.

FUTURE PLANS  We want to begin exchange program for faculty for a longer duration than we have been doing now.  We will strive to create a community of parents and teachers who support each other in making the school best one.  We also want to make the association with British Council by doing the full ISA project for the session 2020-21 by spreading the message of importance of globalized education.  To host MUN in the coming days.  Visit International schools for global learning.  Participate in summits where national and international schools participate.  Focus on sustainable development.  Taking forward the best practices of rain water harvesting and organic farming.