Teaching Young People About Caring for the Land, Community and Themselves through Sustainable Farming and Gardening Practices

Project Overview

YENC23-201
Project Type: Youth Educator
Funds awarded in 2023: $6,000.00
Projected End Date: 01/31/2025
Grant Recipient: WJP Farms
Region: North Central
State: Michigan
Project Manager:
Project Co-Managers:
Anita Singh
Sarnath Gardens & National Wildlife Federation

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Education and Training: workshop, youth education

    Proposal abstract:

    WJP Urban Farm is an educational laboratory that engages young people in sustainable agriculture by restoring vacant lots from blight and creates fertile urban farms that are used to regenerate our neighborhood and feed the local community. We use urban agriculture as a platform to educate young people through a hands-on multi-disciplinary approach that combines classroom and on farm lessons. Young people are prepared to become good stewards of themselves, their community and the land. We build bridges across many demographics such as race, class, and geographical location which is paramount to making a positive impact on an ever-changing world.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    1. Increase sustainable farming skills of 100 elementary and middle school students in Detroit, MI through hands-on work sessions with urban farmers practicing organic techniques.

    2. Introduce youth to sustainable agriculture career opportunities through 5 trips to visit local farmers.

    3. Increase farm planning skills in the classroom during the winter through crop planning and seed sowing.

    4. Harvest vegetables, fruits, and herbs for students to take home or to community and soup kitchens in Detroit.

    5. Utilize the art and science of farming to teach students about self discipline, emotional regulation, and community care through structured check ins and closings at all work days. 6. Improve the soil health and care for the community through beautifying lots, growing food and flowers during student work days.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.