The Mel Johnson School Gardening Project began in 2006 as a part of the division’s science curriculum Veggie Adventures.
Aproject that began with a few Wabowden schoolchildren and their teacher planting backyard gardens will be showcased in New York City before the United Nations Commission for Europe on Sustainable Development this month.
The Mel Johnson School Gardening Project at Wabowden was one of three selected out of 60 best-practice examples in 30 countries to be presented at the 2010 commission.
The project, initiated by school teacher Eleanor Woitowicz, introduced schoolchildren to gardening by helping them plant, tend and harvest their own vegetables in backyard gardens. It has been growing each year with some 70 gardens now being planted by all members of the community.
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The project was selected because it demonstrates how formal education can contribute to sustainability, and how whole communities can contribute to sustainable practices. The Wabowden project also exemplifies how Aboriginal communities contribute to and benefit from sustainability projects.
Woitowicz, together with Bonnie Monais who continues the gardening, and assistant superintendent Don McCaskill with Frontier School Division will share details of the project before the commission.
The Mel Johnson School Gardening Project began in 2006 as a part of the division’s science curriculum Veggie Adventures.
