In Roosboom, the children staying at the Halfway House play an active role, on a daily basis, in maintaining the vegetable garden at the day centre.
Watering, sowing, planting, transplanting, harvesting: the activities change with the seasons, as does their involvement, whether working in turns or in groups depending on the task at hand. This involvement helps them to better understand the cycles of nature and to develop a real connection with the earth whilst learning the basics of gardening.
Beyond learning, this activity makes them fully involved in their own food supply. The vegetables they help to grow are indeed used in the meals served every day at the centre, set up by Designing Hope in 2011. An initiative that is both educational and nourishing, promoting responsibility, health and the well-being of the children.
