Cook4Good
Cook4Good stands as the flagship initiative of Kids Giving Back, designed to instil a sense of generosity and community service in young individuals.
All sessions take place at the Kids Giving Back hub in Paddington, NSW. In addition to cooking, the program includes engaging educational activities that explore the causes and impacts of homelessness, deepening participants’ understanding of social issues. Importantly, Cook4Good also supports teen mental health by giving young people the chance to do something meaningful for others - a proven way to boost wellbeing and build resilience. In a time when youth mental health is a growing concern in Australia, this program offers a positive, purpose-driven experience that helps kids feel more connected, empowered, and supported through acts of service.
Prescribing to the EAR philosophy – Education, Action, and Reflection – our core of reflection and service makes us unique.
Why teachers love it:
- Aligns with values education, civics, and wellbeing curriculum
- Creates a meaningful experience of contribution and compassion
- A real hands-on experience - students get their hands dirty and their hearts full
- It's often a core memory moment for students
About the Program
Cook4Good stands as the flagship initiative of Kids Giving Back, designed to instil a sense of generosity and community service in young individuals.
All sessions take place at the Kids Giving Back hub in Paddington, NSW. In addition to cooking, the program includes engaging educational activities that explore the causes and impacts of homelessness, deepening participants’ understanding of social issues. Importantly, Cook4Good also supports teen mental health by giving young people the chance to do something meaningful for others - a proven way to boost wellbeing and build resilience. In a time when youth mental health is a growing concern in Australia, this program offers a positive, purpose-driven experience that helps kids feel more connected, empowered, and supported through acts of service.
Prescribing to the EAR philosophy – Education, Action, and Reflection – our core of reflection and service makes us unique.
Why teachers love it:
- Aligns with values education, civics, and wellbeing curriculum
- Creates a meaningful experience of contribution and compassion
- A real hands-on experience - students get their hands dirty and their hearts full
- It's often a core memory moment for students
Documents
Questions & Answers
Objectives
PDHPE (Stages 4 & 5):
PD4-2 / PD5-2: Recognises and demonstrates respectful and inclusive relationships
PD4-6 / PD5-6: Challenges societal influences and takes action to enhance wellbeing
PD4-9 / PD5-9: Demonstrates self-management skills to respond to challenging situations
Geography & Civics (HSIE):
GE4-5 / GE5-5: Explains the causes and consequences of urban social issues (e.g. homelessness)
C4.1 / C5.1: Demonstrates informed and active citizenship through real-world contribution
Work Studies (Stage 5):
WS5-3: Manages problems and works effectively in teams
WS5-6: Uses strategies to plan, organise, and complete activities
WS5-7: Understands responsibilities in community settings and future pathways
Itinerary
Arrival and introduction
0.25 hour
Arrive at Kids Giving Back hub (L1, 220 – 232 Oxford St Paddington). Introduction to the day’s program, wash hands, don aprons.
Let's get cooking
1 hour
This is the time for the kids to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty! We prepare, cut and cook (or skewer for the fruit) all the ingredients that are then cooked to perfection.
BYO recess
0.25 hour
During the children’s recess period, we take the opportunity to have informal conversations about homelessness and rough sleeping - emphasising that it can happen to anyone. We also empower them with the understanding that they’re not powerless; even small actions can make a big difference and brighten someone’s day.
More cooking
0.25 hour
We wrap up with a cooking session, after which all the meals are carefully packed into containers. The children then decorate the lids with uplifting messages and drawings - a heartfelt and meaningful part of our program that adds a personal touch to every meal.