Children explore the world by engaging it with all their senses. They like to get to know nature, plants, and animals like the little explorers that they are.
In a controlled educational setting, schools can offer children a guided experience of their environment. By introducing school gardens to the children, teachers can impart important knowledge to the students about growing their own food, nutrition, healthy eating, and environmental protection.
We Grow What We Eat
In celebration of the Farmers’ Day, the McCarthy Hill School invited parents, stakeholders, and judges to a competition on 1st December. The adjacent school garden at McCarthy Hill School and the students’ gardening projects were at the centre of the competition – the theme of the event: “We Grow What We Eat”. Each grade planned and carried out a gardening project. The students prepared presentations that explained the journey of choosing a plant, growing it, and harvesting it.
Development of Core Competencies
The children exhibited their critical thinking skills in front of the judges during the competition. The children were judged on the research on and implementation of their gardening projects, their reflectiveness on the concerned Sustainable Development Goals, their problem-solving skills, and the presentation in total. The gardening project helped the children develop interdisciplinary skills. Additionally, they learned important problem-solving skills by facing challenges and coming up with appropriate solutions.
The Winners
In spirit of the competition, the judges announced the winners: Grade 6b. But everyone involved won important knowledge. The children bring their new knowledge into their families who in turn may start planting a garden at home. This way, knowledge is passed on and changes in behaviour are generated, which makes a sustainable tomorrow possible.
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
Audrey Hepburn
ASPnet Schools and Clubs for UNESCO
The McCarthy Hill School is part of the Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) for UNESCO. The aim of the ASPnet and Clubs for UNESCO is to teach all learners knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development for the future. By introducing a school garden to their students, the McCarthy Hill School contributed greatly to the efforts of UNESCO to foster peace through Education for Sustainable Development.
More information on the ASPnet and Clubs for UNESCO:
Website:
Email:
kofi.kwakye@unescoghana.gov.gh
moses.gemeh@unescoghana.gov.gh
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