Students raise awareness of growing your own food
By Hayden Moore
STUDENTS are sowing the seeds of sustainability in a Lucan school - with the aim of raising awareness for growing your own food.
Transition Year students at all-girls school St Joseph's College have built their very own vegetable garden within the school grounds.
Students have benefitted greatly from a grant they have recieved from South Dublin County Council under the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund – a programme aimed at the development of sustainable growth.
They hope to learn how to grow and manage crops, which will feature as an educational resource for the wider student body. The garden will feature in other classes in the school, including Home Economics and Biology where the garden will help with a range of activities.
St Joseph’s College teacher Mr Dempsey has been guiding students through the module – helping them plan out and build beds for the garden.
Mr Dempsey said: “Many of our young people aren’t aware of where our food comes from. They see fast food outlets and products on shelves. It’s important that they appreciate the process.
Their next step is to decide on their crops, test their soil and get planting. A bountiful haul awaits – here’s hoping for the weather.”
A major goal for the group is to raise awareness of affordabilty, ease, and sustainabilty of growing your own prodcue.
St Joseph’s College are a looking for any local groups or businesses to get involved, email rdempsey@stjosephslucan.com
