Children must learn to put together their own lunch boxes and imbibe a sense of responsibility, according to an organiser of the first-ever hands-on workshops space at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF)’s popular Cookery Corner.

A group of enthusiastic kindergarten pupils learnt how to make baked spaghetti cupcakes at the exclusive makers workshop, to empower young visitors with the knowledge of healthy foods, fresh ingredients as well as ignite their imaginations while also enabling them to explore their culinary talents.

“We look to teach items which can be easily replicated at home with parents for children in the age group of 5-14 years,” said workshop conductor, Rawan Maree. “It could be cookies, ice-cream, sushi, pizza, sandwiches, cake and other dishes children enjoy eating. I hope that after attending these workshops, kids would be enthusiastic about assisting their parents put together their school lunches and even give them a few ideas about what they may want to take to school.”

The kids watched intently and even assisted Rawan accomplish a few steps in the process of baking the fuss-free spaghetti cupcakes, which were savoured by them with a side of fresh tomato relish.

Along with Cookery Corner activities, a total of 1,732 events have been lined up at the SCRF, which runs until May 14.