Partnerships

Education:

Weeding the Community Food Garden pathways.

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Partnership Program with Larrakeyah Primary School Volunteers

INTRODUCTION

The School:

Larrakeyah Primary School is located in the Darwin city area between private residences and Larrakeyah Barracks. It first opened its doors in 1963 and, following rebuilding, reopened in 1985. There are currently 350 students attending the school. 

The Learning Partnership:

In recent years Larrakeyah Primary students volunteered at the Myilly Point Heritage Precinct with the development of a water wise garden. Ready to contribute their time, skills and energy to another project, they discovered the Botanic Gardens as an accessible option. Over 2011, there will be eight volunteer sessions involving different student groups from ages 7 to 12. The first areas of development include: the Community Food Garden and a revitalisation of the Balinese Jamu Garden behind the Wesleyan Church. Sessions run for 1.5 hours and are largely co-ordinated by the school’s Science teacher, Shelley Ferguson. It is hoped that this learning partnership will trigger a deep appreciation of the essential connection between people and nature – both for the members of the Larrakeyah Primary School and, through celebrating their efforts, into the wider local community.

Enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done.

The GBDBG Experience:

As with all learning partnerships, a mutual benefit is being exchanged. The children are learning specific horticultural knowledge while they contribute to making each designated area look better for the community to enjoy. This ‘hands on’ learning experience and face to face contact develops the students’ social interaction while engaging learning about our environment. The GBDBG staff are enjoying sharing their knowledge of the Gardens with the children and welcome and thank them for their contributions.

 

 

 

 

Right bottom: One of our horticulturists in the Playground teaching students about the ‘chocolate’ tree (Theobroma cacao). The Latin words mean 'food of the gods’.   Native to the rain forests of the tropical Americas,  cocoa is one of the most delicious and powerful antioxidants on our planet.