Gardening Club

Its been a year of interesting transitions at the school for me. I was initially brought in to help the school with its “expressive arts” program...which almost existed. Almost. In reality, the frame work was set, but much of the actual organization remained unfinished. The school then thought it would be pertinent for me to write manuals instructing teachers on various lessons for their weekly club activity....I admit that I can get creative when I want, but I am no expert on chess (although I actually wrote the manual). After manual #2, I realized that the teachers simply weren't using them. More than that, they didnt really care to hold their clubs anyway.


So, on to plan B. Except....I had no plan B. I had ideas...but what could be tangible that would also be supported by teachers, students and parents?? After much thinking (and taking a substantial detour into a character value program I introduced to the school via help from my mom- which is going amazingly well), I decided to revive the dilapidated garden- located just behind my office.

The school has what resembles the makings of a greenhouse. Its in shambles and can use some serious help, but it's getting there. After a series of office visits by the same group of about 8 boys...the principal decided that there could be a constructive punishment for them- restoring the garden. The first couple of days, the boys served their punishment during school hours by clearing out large debris from inside the structure, but quickly discovered that they could manipulate their time outside of class to their advantage (duh!...sometimes Belizean discipline choices BAFFLE me).

This was my opportunity to voice my idea of starting an after school gardening club. The idea being that this group of boys would meet with me 3 times a week and with a teacher 2 times a week, every day after school. It was a way for them to be active in a positive manner and teach them the value of hard work.

So far, I'd say its successful 45% of the time. We have issues with attendance and consistency, but on the whole...the project is working. Its amazing how giving consistency with rules has transformed the attitudes of some of the boys...not to mention how it has increased the respect they have with each other. I love that because I enforced the “if I hear you curse, you owe me a shilling” rule, I have the pleasure of spending the afternoon in good conversation instead of constant bickering. Or, that the boys know that if they don't help in the days activity, they have to leave...and may not get to come back (the fact that this is a horrible idea to them is great- gardening club is something they WANT to do!!!) Woo hoo for little victories! :0)

I've included pictures below of the boys weeding the beds we're making. Because it's the end of the school year, our focus right now is on prepping the garden for planting in September. Well, that's my focus. A couple of the boys are utilizing the club far better than I'd hoped...they've taken ownership of their work and can't wait to come over the summer to make sure the garden is going well. I'll update you next fall to see if this actually took place.

Watch out for Belize's newest Green Thumbs!