#schoolgardenreflection

The Waiākeawaena Elementary School Garden project is currently on pause due to the COVID19 situation in our world.  However, before COVID19, the following objectives were accomplished:

Developed a school garden curriculum for Grades K-5, complete with lessons and activities for each grade level.

Created an online journal of the school garden process.

Compiled a school garden binder complete with information about the school garden, which contains objectives, school garden map, safety measures, lessons, activities, and resources.

Set up a school garden shed, complete with necessary garden tools for every grade level.

Produced a presentation to display and introduce the garden to Waiākeawaena Elementary faculty and students.

Revived the Waiākeawaena Elementary School garden beds through tilling, cultivating, and adding amendments to the soil.

Planted fruits, vegetables, or herbs in a garden bed for every grade level, which are now beginning to produce fruits and vegetables.

Before COVID19, I planned to present the garden, along with the garden binder, to the faculty of Waiākeawaena Elementary School.  At the presentation, it was planned for every grade level in the school sign up for a time for a student garden presentation.  Unfortunately, due to COVID19, I was unable to present to the faculty or students.  Once the COVID19 situation improves, I am planning to continue with my garden presentation to the faculty and students.

Kōkua Hawaīʻi Foundation made the Waiākeawaena Elementary School Garden project possible by providing the funding necessary to obtain the garden materials.  Some of the garden materials that were purchased were: twelve bags of soil, various plants, a school garden shed, along with the following tools for EVERY grade level: buckets, pails, trowels, cultivators, shears, and gloves.  The funding was vital to ensure a smooth project with necessary materials.

I would definitely recommend this garden project and garden materials to others who would like to help their school and community.  Despite the COVID19 challenges, the successes and process of the project far outweighed the hardships.  Giving back to the school and community during a crisis teaches values such as perseverance, humility, endurance, and patience.  

I am looking forward to presenting the project to my school and community, and hope that the garden project will be a beacon of light to others during this dark time.