Oropi School embarked on its ‘Garden to Table’ journey at the beginning of 2018 and has been steadily reaping the rewards.
The programme provides children with hands-on experience in growing and caring for their own produce and sharing a meal created with that produce. Proud to have been the first school in the Bay of Plenty to join the programme, Oropi School currently offers this learning opportunity to three of its classes a week.
Principal Andrew King’s vision is that eventually the whole school will be involved. With the concept of ‘grow, harvest, prepare and share’ at its heart, this outdoor based learning programme allows children to get their hands dirty in the garden and work safely in a kitchen using proper tools and appliances, guided by adults.
“This exploration translates to children gaining in self-confidence and learning important life skills”, says Mr King. Community volunteers are a priceless and essential part of the programme and more are needed to support the programme’s growth.
Volunteers can give as little as 90 minutes of their time each week and need no special skills other than a willingness to engage the children in learning about growing food and sharing it.
To volunteer for Oropi School’s Garden to Table programme, contact the School office: 07 543 1479, or the Programme Coordinator, Fotina Thompson: 021 771 977
By Fotina Thompson
“I write for this magazine to offer a feel-good opportunity to our community so that this outstanding programme may grow through new volunteers.”
