Tiny tots learn to bring food from the ground to the plate
dubai — Studying gardening is very different from actually getting down to gardening.
Students of Victory Heights Primary School (VHPS), Dubai, are learning to be producers of their own food through the school’s ‘Ground to Plate’ project, in partnership with children’s wellness initiative Sandy Seeds. The project was launched on Monday by Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
To provide a hands-on experience to children about sustainability, the school aims at teaching children how to start a garden and produce their own food.
Dr Abdulla Al Karam told Khaleej Times: “We are so happy to see little ones busying themselves with gardening and learning about what they can achieve by literally growing with their own hands. We all need to be in touch with nature and teaching these kids that at such a young age is essential. It is only when you realise your bond with nature, trees and soil, you can work to protect it. I saw today how much the kids really loved the project. Engaging students is surely a great way to ensure happiness not only for them but also for their parents and teachers. This will definitely lead to a greater good.”
VHPS principal Sasha Crabb said the inspiration for the green project came from a presentation by urban gardening expert Stephen Ritz, the founder of Green Bronx Machine. Ritz visited the UAE this January with the aim of fostering sustainability, teaching the students the benefits of self-supporting communities and producing their own food.
“VHPS was so inspired that the children wanted to start their own garden. To begin with, Sandy Seeds provided the students with their own grow bags. As the seeds grew into plants in our school garden, the children are excited to taste their own vegetables and show their parents how hard they have worked on the project,” said Sasha Crabb.
Through the project students are learning to sow the seeds, nurture the plants and later sell the produce at the school’s market day. “They will also sell the produce to our canteen providers and even start making our own compost in the near future. All this has not only created a buzz and excitement in school but the kids are also excited about eating healthy now,” Crabb said.
“Students have been given different duties, such as some go and check on the plants during their lunch break, while others water them at play time. They go home and talk about these projects to their parents, who then volunteer and help them with the gardening,” she said.
“Our hope is to teach children to be producers and not only consumers. If they can produce their own and use it in the school it would help saving money and would teach children about sustainability, entrepreneurism and also the life cycle of plants in a different way,” said Justine Bain, founder of Sandy Seeds.
I saw today how much the kids really loved the project. Engaging students is surely a great way to ensure happiness not only for them but also for their parents and teachers. Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and DirectorGeneral of KHDA