It’s a fruitful partnership for summer students as they earn school credits and wages working at local community gardens.
A Lakehead Public School Board official says the Focus on Youth program is unique, allowing students to get their hands dirty at local community gardens with Roots to Harvest.
Jane Lower says students won’t just learn how to take care of the gardens.
“This program not only helps them earn the credits that they need to move them forward toward graduation, it’s paid employment, so the finances are definitely helpful for them,” Lower explains. “The employability skills [and] the workplace certifications help them with future jobs.”
This is the second year for the Focus on Youth program.
#tbay @LakeheadSchools students earning school credits, wages & experience in @roots2harvest garden in Victoria Park. pic.twitter.com/I75eR2ClWL
— @country105news (@Country105News) 13 July 2017
Roots to Harvest Program Co-ordinator Kim McGibbon says students will be mainly working in the garden at the Volunteer Pool for the next six weeks, and helping out as needed at the Victoria Park garden.
“We’re able to take them out, build employment skills with them while they’re doing their education pieces. We’re able to teach them all about the local food system and connect them to different farmers and community partners.”
She says along with tending to the gardens, harvesting, and selling the produce at the Volunteer Pool garden, students will be helping out at the Dew Drop Inn and helping pack good food boxes.
The program is employing 12 students this year through a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Education. (Staff Photo/Video)