Children in Stonebridge have graduated from a busy week learning howto make composters and other horticultural delights.
Sufra Food Bank and Kitchen NW London, based in Pifield Way, has completed the second of three summer courses teaching children and young people about plant science and ecology.
The practical one week course, attended by seven to nine year-olds, takes place in St Raphael’s edible garden.
A similar course is being held next week for 12-16 year olds.
The young group came in every day for four hours last week and learnt how to make a small herb garden. They discovered how to make their own composter by collecting food scraps and putting them in a bin, making sure there was enough air by making holes in it. They also grew their own geraniums by planting the bulbs in recycled glass jars.
Paul Manley, capacity build officer for Sufra NW London, said: “We started the workshops in January and school groups took part so we decided to run three workshops during the holidays.
“We ask for a £10 deposit which is returned on condition of full attendance.
“The children really like it. As well as the horticultural side they get to create their own portfolios, learn presenting skills and apart from their own work, they also take part in group activities where they learn to work with others better.”
At the end of the week they received a certificate, in recognition of their achievements, and will also receive an AQA qualification for science.
The charity has recently started developing a workshop based on environmental responsibilities.
Mr Manley said it was “still in the planning stage” but will incorporate basic awareness of climate change, energy resources - what’s renewable and what isn’t and activities centred around recycling and litter.
He added: “The workshops will help in raising awareness and encourage young people to take a more active concern in what is happening around them.”
Sufra NW London’s food growing project, in St.Raphael’s Edible Garden, is located close to its yellow and blue building.
The charity runs a Growing Club twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Call 020 3441 1335 for information.
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