Educationists, teachers and trainers often ask the important question - where and how does "Food Gardening" fit into a school or ABE (adult basic education) or other training programme (or curriculum)?

Sometimes people think that "Food Gardening" is a "dirty" and simplistic activity (perhaps even undignified) that does not serve any real purpose in a school or training center. HOW WRONG THEY CAN BE!! The following will attempt to show you in brief, where and how "Food Gardening" fits into many learning areas.

• If you think creatively, you will find very useful links between the concept of "Food Gardening" and the different learning areas/subjects. A "Food Garden" is a concrete and visible tool, as well as a pedagogical model that can be used in each learning area. This is especially true for those institutions that lack educational resources - e.g. subject videos, posters and/or models. The "Food Garden" is always readily available and easily accessible (on the school property) and will serve as a model that will stimulate and interest in the learners and even the rest of the community. It is an easy, cheap and healthy example that can be duplicated with ease and at a minimal cost. The "Food Garden" is affordable because it uses available resources (even if limited). It raises awareness of environmental issues and is totally environmentally friendly (organic pest control and fertilization).

In the attached diagram it is shown how all the learning areas/subjects can use the "Food Garden" as a connection or discussion point/model/live laboratory/holistic project.

The "Food Garden" has an important benefit - it can have an income generation component for the school or could supplement an existing feeding scheme or add to the food that some schools supply to the learners. It can therefore impact on the education and health and nutrition of each and every learner - at school and at home (when they make their own "Food Gardens"). Some Food Gardening schools have as many as 100+ trench beds. Some have generated substantial income for their school-fund by selling vegetables to staff and the community. A large number of learners also earn money selling the produce from their own "Food Gardens".

• Why wait, try it now!!
• A "Food Garden" will definitely make a difference in your life and/or school or training center!!