Rohanna Barry and Shakem Correnthi
Rohanna Barry is about to start her senior year, and Shakem Correnthi, his sophomore, at the High School for Public Service. Both shared that learning how to actually cook has been a core part of the Summer Youth Leaders Program.
“Following the directions of a recipe and not over seasoning the food really make a difference in the kitchen,” says Shakem. “And we are encouraged to experiment a little with our ingredients and avoid undercooking anything,” added Rohanna. “We have learned several knife cutting techniques like Bear Claws so we never injure ourselves on the cutting board.
Overall safety is key in the kitchen and obviously you never want to start a fire!” urged both Rohanna and Shakem.
Rohanna has grown to really love kale and points out that it is high in iron. Shakem loves the lemony taste of sorrel and says it’s also high in iron and fiber. “Beans, squash, and corn contain essential proteins that our bodies need,” states Shakem.
When asked what the downside of cooking can be: “Sometimes it is really hard to wait for the food to be done,” states Rohanna. “I tend to work independently and find crowds confusing in the kitchen.” “I like knowing how my food has been prepared with no overcooking that can cause vegetables to lose their nutrients,” added Shakem, “but I hate cleaning the dishes afterwards!”
Both Rohanna and Shakem have enjoyed learning new recipes on the Youth Farm. “Brother Khepera’s Curry Coconut Collard Greens recipe was a huge hit with us,” says Rohanna. “He even used fresh coconut.” “And we saw him hammer it open!” added Shakem.
When asked how cooking on the farm compares to cooking at home, both Rohanna and Shakem feel that farm cooking is more nutritious and appreciate that all of the ingredients are organic and actually come from the farm or a health food store. “We are eating healthy, but not losing flavor,” says Shakem, “and it’s less work to make farm food than homemade dishes.” “I’ve learned how to manipulate food with acids, not just fire,” says Rohanna, “and we focus more on vegetables here on the farm.”
“I want to help my family fight Diabetes and I plan to bring my new conscientiousness home.”
“I have loved interacting with people at the market and listening to their difference of opinions about what’s for sale that day,” states Rohanna, who plans to study Interior Design in the future. “I am a quiet person at times, but I am a very good listener.”
Shakem aspires to become a Pediatrician and also loves experiencing Wednesdays at the market.
“I hope to improve my people skills and teach others about good nutrition.”
Thursday, August twenty second. 4pm-9pm
Although our 2013 summer Youth Farm has officially come to an end, there are several more youth leaders we haven’t had a chance to introduce you to yetAmirah Davis and Kadiata Kaba are two of our youngest program participants who happen to be best friends and are about to start their sophomore year at the High School for Public Service.
“I plan to be in a leadership role next summer if I am invited back. I want to share my knowledge with others and help them to succeed here, too. I had applied for the Summer Youth Lottery, but I didn’t get chosen. I would have been able to work with various companies in the city. I can honestly say that I am glad I ended up working on the farm because I was physically active all summer and I learned a lot of great information and skills,” Amirah states with conviction.
Amirah plans to attend Howard University in the future and wants to possibly become a gynecologist. “I really care about women,” she states. “I love kids,” adds Kadiata, who is seriously considering becoming a pediatrician. “It would be great to teach kids how to recognize plants. First you smell them and if edible, taste them.”
When asked how working on the farm might affect what they eat for lunch in the fall, Shane shared that he avoids school lunches after experiencing food poisoning when he was 11 or 12 years old. “It was so painful. I now regularly pack Subway sandwiches. I have been very moved by the Food Inc. videos we’ve watched this summer and I have loved our nutritional discussions. I am uncomfortable with the way we treat chicken and meat in general in the USA. I am strongly considering becoming a vegetarian.”
The Youth Farm is positioned at Wingate Campus, 600 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn NY 11203.
.jpg)
Both Gayena and Davina feel organization is essential to run the farm well. “Without a daily plan, we would not accomplish anything! Scheduling time for everything is a challenge because there are so many tasks to do. I am now more inspired to be calendar-oriented in class; I’ve grown to love daily planners,” states Gayena. “On a farm, for example, you have to measure out a bed for planting, keep the tool shed in order, and know where your supplies are at all times. Organization IS a farm,” adds Davina.