WELCOME TO
SHIRLEY'S LIFE SKILLS
At SS Life Skills CIC, we believe that cooking is more than just a skill—it’s a gateway to empowerment, creativity, and cultural connection. Our organisation is dedicated to combating the lack of essential life skills among young people by teaching them how to prepare cost-effective, healthy, and culturally rich meals. With a core mission to educate and inspire, we are transforming lives one meal at a time, while preserving the authentic flavours of West African culture.
WHY COOKING MATTERS
Cooking is a powerful tool for self-expression, independence, and cultural pride. Our workshops go beyond teaching recipes—they inspire young people to experiment with ingredients, embrace creativity, and make informed choices about what they eat. By connecting participants to the rich culinary traditions of West Africa, we provide a sense of identity, diversity and pride that resonates deeply with our mission.
The joy of cooking is at the heart of everything we do. Through our interactive educational, fun and engaging sessions, young people discover the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting their confidence.
PSHE - Learn By Doing
Jollof Life Skills Workshops: A Comprehensive Educational Program
Our flagship initiative, the jollof Life Skills Workshops, has already reached over 300 young people, and we are on a mission to impact 700 more by the end of the year—bringing our total to 1,000 empowered participants. To achieve this ambitious goal, we are partnering with 28 schools across the country, ensuring that these essential skills reach as many young people as possible.
Our workshops are fully aligned with the PSHE curriculum for Years 6, 7, 8, and 9, providing an engaging and educational experience that complements classroom learning.
For Year 10 students, the workshops offer a hands-on, practical component to their food technology lessons, making the subject more interactive and enjoyable. Furthermore, for Years 11 and 12, our program serves as a vital part of their personal development, equipping them with the skills they need for independent living as they prepare for university and adulthood.
These workshops are not just about cooking—they are about building life skills, encouraging teamwork, and nurturing a sense of community. By equipping young people with the tools to cook cost-effective, healthy meals, we are setting them up for a lifetime of better choices and greater opportunities.
Mission
Our Mission & Vision
To educate, inspire and transform young people’s lives through healthy eating one meal at a time, whilst preserving authentic West African culture.
Our Partners
A Word
From Our CEO
“A healthy mental state is the foundation of our well-being and the spirit needed for success. By prioritizing our mental health, we empower ourselves to tackle challenges and foster creativity.
Embracing the art of healthy food fuels both our bodies and minds. Let’s commit to nurturing the next generation of wellness together, creating an environment that supports our growth and success “
– Shirley Boateng
Calendar
Our Upcoming Curricular Events & Activities
Our School
A Journey of Impact and Growth
From our humble beginnings, we have witnessed firsthand the challenges that arise from a lack of knowledge, resources, and healthy outlets for young people. A lack of access to resources and social structures often leads to poor decision-making and even mental health struggles. At SS Life Skills CIC, we are determined to change that narrative.
Since starting our workshops independently, we have equipped over 500 young people with the skills and confidence to cook nutritious meals. Our workshops are designed to make cooking fun, easy, and accessible, igniting a lifelong passion for food and self-sufficiency. Thanks to the support of Shirley’s Jollof Paste and funding from the National Lottery, we have expanded our reach nationwide, offering workshops more consistently and impacting even more lives.
COOKING SKILLS
At the heart of what we do is provide young people with cooking skills that enable them to become creative with the cooking process whilst understanding the importance of the right foods fueling your body.
CULTURAL HERITEGE
Food reflects culture. We are all about culutural celebration of west african culture. Educating young people is vital in establishing a greater connection to authentic cuisine.
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
Cooking is a great way to break barriers, connect with others and celebrate different backgrounds focusing on our similarities rather than our differences.
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE THRIVE
The programme gives young people vital skills that boost their independence and future opportunities. By Equipping them with the necessary skills, we believe that it will provide the fundamental skills of focused practical learning.
Young People impacted
Venues Used across the UK
Number of Cities
Number of Years
Get In Touch
Whether you’re a parent looking for an engaging activity for your child, a school interested in partnering with us, or simply someone who believes in the power of food to change lives, we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can empower young people to make healthier, more informed choices, while celebrating the rich culinary traditions of West Africa.
At SS Life Skills CIC, we don’t just teach cooking—we inspire a lifetime of confidence, creativity, and cultural pride. Let’s cook up a brighter future together.
For more information about our workshops or how to partner with us, please contact us today. Let’s spark a passion for cooking and empower the next generation to thrive.
Email: shirleyslifeskills@gmail.com