When I was growing up I was not allowed to do anything in the kitchen, although I did do cookery at high school - first thing: potato soup, if I remember correctly. My DM died when I was 23 and, even then, I didn't cook as DF was always first home. Marriage came as a shock to me but I persevered, helped by cookery classes as local schools, etc., and I am now a very good cook, if I do say so myself.
My DSis works at a children's centre in the Midlands and one of her jobs is teaching mums to cook - I think it is so sad that cooking almost disappeared from the school curriculum. Those lessons I had laid a good foundation for me.
Good luck with your idea - I, too, would come and help if I was near.