Description
The project addresses the need for children to have environmentally-focused education to develop a positive attitude to environment protection and sustainable use of resources. The project aims at engaging the children and students of Prof. Nikolay Raynov Kindergarten in environmental field practices in an organic garden in the premises. First, the students, parents and teachers will be trained the principles of permaculture and food growing. Second, the permaculture garden will be designed and created in the yard of the school (raised beds, hanging beds, compost for organic waste, rainwater installation). Third, fruit, vegetables and herbs will be planted, grown and harvested. Fourth, the students will have open-air lessons in botany and biology. Next, a winter greenhouse with trees will be created. Finally, 12 open lessons for students from other schools in Sofia will be held. The project will benefit the students, their teachers and parents as well as other schools in Sofia.
Summary of project results
The project was needed for better management of natural resources through the processes of recycling, composting and sustainable irrigation that the organization missed in the past. The most important project result is that the project contributed to shaping the attitude of the target group to the environment, healthy eating, sustainable development and social commitment and thus the project achieved its main goal. A demo organic garden was created under the project to grow vegetables based on the principles of permaculture and biodynamic farming. The participants observed a whole annual cycle and established good permaculture and biodynamic farming practices that will continue to be used in the future work in the garden. The school teachers acquired new approaches to teaching and a cycle of 12 open lessons for experiential learning was developed. The community of children, parents, teachers and volunteers took part in the overall process of planning and implementation of the project activities. The project had a positive impact on the attitudes of the people from the families and the community in the kindergarten and Professor Nikolay Raynov School. The project had positive impact on promoting urban organic farming and small organic gardens in the country. The project managed to draw the attention of the public to such issues as organic and healthy food, recycling and environmentally-friendly lifestyle. The project team managed to reach more than 150 children, parents, other NGOs, neighbours, supporters and more than 500 000 people from the public with its promotional activities (via bTV, Nova TV, BNR and other media). The project also helped School for Our Children Association develop as an organization contributing to the shaping of the civil society with a positive attitude to environment protection and sustainable use of natural resources.
Summary of bilateral results