Last Saturday, our community came alive at the WODI Jollof Rice Carnival and Volunteer Appreciation, and one highlight stood out for all the right reasons — the WODI COOKCRAFT Best African Caribbean Jollof Rice Contest. What may look like a fun food competition on the surface is, in truth, one of the strongest expressions of who we are and what we stand for at Women of Dignity International (WODI).

This contest was not just about whose pot had the best aroma or the richest flavour. It was about people. It was about purpose. And it was about impact.

Where Skills Turn Into Opportunity

Through WODI COOKCRAFT, we have continued to show that everyday skills — like cooking — can become powerful tools for change. As we watched participants proudly present their jollof rice, we saw more than cooks; we saw confidence, growth, and possibility. Many of the women involved started with a love for cooking at home. Through training, practice, and encouragement, that love has grown into something bigger — a pathway toward catering, food vending, and small business ownership.

The contest gave our participants visibility. It allowed them to be seen, celebrated, and taken seriously. That matters. When women are given a platform, they begin to believe in what they can achieve — and that belief is often the first step toward entrepreneurship.

Feeding the Community, Feeding the Spirit

Food has always been central to how we connect, and the jollof rice contest reminded us of that in the most beautiful way. Plates were shared, laughter flowed, and families gathered around tables to enjoy meals prepared with care. Beyond the fun, this reflected a deeper truth about WODI COOKCRAFT: no one should be left out, especially during the holiday season.

By combining skill-building with community feeding, we created an experience where giving and celebration happened at the same time. It wasn’t just about eating good food — it was about feeling welcome, included, and valued.

Building Entrepreneurs, One Pot at a Time

One of the strongest impacts of the jollof rice contest is how it encourages an entrepreneurial mindset. Participants didn’t just cook; they planned, presented, and proudly spoke about their dishes. These moments matter. They help people see that what they do has value — and that value can grow.

Through WODI COOKCRAFT, we are planting seeds. Some will grow into catering services. Others into food brands, pop-up kitchens, or community vendors. All of them grow confidence, independence, and hope.

Uniting Families Through Culture and Celebration

Jollof rice is more than a dish. It carries stories, memories, and culture. At the carnival, children watched their parents compete, friends cheered each other on, and elders smiled as familiar flavours filled the air. This is how traditions are passed down. This is how families bond.

The contest reminded us that culture has the power to bring people together — across backgrounds, ages, and experiences. In that shared space, we weren’t just celebrating food; we were celebrating belonging.

A Perfect Fit for Volunteer Appreciation

Holding the COOKCRAFT jollof contest during the WODI Jollof Rice Carnival and Volunteer Appreciation made it even more meaningful. Our volunteers — the backbone of everything we do — were honoured in an atmosphere filled with joy, gratitude, and community pride. It was a reminder that service, when mixed with celebration, creates memories that last.

Building Women-Owned Food Businesses

A key aspect of this year’s contest was the soft grant support provided to the participants. This grant was designed to help the women who took part in the contest to boost their restaurant and food businesses after completing the WODI Jollof Rice Carnival Contest. By linking financial support directly to their participation, WODI ensures that the skills and talents demonstrated translate into real-world opportunities. This approach empowers women to:

Start or strengthen their small restaurant or catering ventures

Build the confidence needed to serve the wider community

Create sustainable income for themselves and their families

In this way, WODI sends a clear message: women’s skills matter, and their growth is worth investing in.

Why It Matters

The WODI COOKCRAFT Best African Caribbean Jollof Rice Contest captured the heart of WODI’s mission in one event:

empower people, feed communities, build entrepreneurs, and unite families.

Last Saturday was proof that impact doesn’t always have to be loud or complex. Sometimes, it starts with a shared meal, a willing heart, and a community that believes in one another.