Creating a clean, hygienic cooking environment is fundamental to supporting the well-being of both students and staff, and we are proud to announce the successful renovation of the kitchen at Lords Academy.
Two volunteers who travelled to Lords Academy in 2025 kindly donated funds to African Adventures Foundation to help transform the school’s kitchen facilities after seeing the challenges they faced each day, preparing 366 meals for the students.
The Challenges
Prior to this project, The Lords Academy faced significant challenges due to inadequate kitchen facilities and limited equipment. Cooking was primarily carried out using charcoal, which generated large amounts of ash and smoke. This not only created an unhygienic cooking environment but also allowed ash particles to drift into nearby classrooms, negatively impacting the students’ learning conditions.
In addition, the absence of proper shelving, storage, and basic infrastructure made it difficult to store utensils safely and prepare food efficiently. These limitations hindered the school’s ability to maintain cleanliness, organisation, and overall food safety.
Infrastructure Improvements
To make the kitchen a safer and more practical space, a number of important upgrades were put in place. New storage shelves were added to help keep utensils and supplies organised, making it much easier to manage day-to-day cooking.
Ventilation and hygiene were also improved with the installation of a window fitted with louvre frames and blades, along with a fibre net to help keep out dust and pests. A solid concrete kitchen counter was built as well, with tiled finishes around the sink area to make cleaning and food preparation simpler and more hygienic.
A gas cooking system was installed, including a gas burner, cylinder, regulator and hose to replace the charcoal fire which was previously used.
On top of that, a wastewater pipe system was installed to connect the kitchen to the main water source, improving water access and drainage. To handle wastewater safely, a soak-away pit was also constructed using blocks and a moulded slab, helping to ensure proper sanitation.
To improve the functionality of lunchtimes at the school, essential equipment was also procured, including 100 cups, 100 bowls, 100 spoons and forks.
The Impact
These improvements have made a real difference to how the school kitchen operates day to day, as well as to the wellbeing of the whole school community. The introduction of the gas cooking system has transformed the cooking process, cutting down on ash and smoke and helping to keep both the kitchen and nearby classrooms much cleaner.
As a result, kitchen staff can now prepare meals more efficiently, with better organisation and safer storage of utensils and supplies. Wastewater is also managed more safely, and the overall cooking environment is far more hygienic.
All of this helps support the health, comfort, and learning experience of the 366 students who rely on the school for their daily meals.
On behalf of African Adventures Foundation and everyone at Lords Academy, we’d like to say a huge thank you to the volunteers whose generosity made this project possible. Your support has had a lasting impact on this community.
