His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is encouraging fathers across Guyana to take a more active role in the home, launching what he calls the “Father’s Challenge”, a monthly initiative encouraging men to prepare at least one family meal.

Leading by example, the head of state issued the challenge on Sunday, while preparing chicken curry at his home in Leonora, Region Three, using fresh produce from his yard.

“At least one time every month, every father in the kitchen for two hours preparing one meal,” President Ali said, urging fathers to make cooking a regular part of family life.

As he prepared the meal, the president showcased locally grown ingredients, including bora, tomatoes, peppers, eschallots, thyme, ochro, carilla, celery and lettuce, while also highlighting the benefits of home gardening and fresh produce.

He also demonstrated his approach to meals preparation, emphasising thorough cleaning and seasoning of the meat amongst others.

President Ali iterate the initiative is intended to promote greater participation by fathers in the home, while encouraging healthier eating, home gardening and the use of fresh, locally grown foods.