Gardening Helps Young People Learning English
Topic: Mental Health
Albert Lotemo wants to study agriculture more.
In short:
A school for young migrants started a gardening project with health groups.
Gardening helps children connect and take a break from learning English.
What's next?
The garden will be part of the science class at Blackburn English Language School.
Albert is happy to work in the garden again after leaving Africa.
Albert used to work on a farm every day in Africa.
He planted foods like maize and fruits.
Albert studies at Blackburn English Language School in Victoria.
The school helps young migrants learn English to go to regular schools.
Students will plant vegetables like carrots and lettuce.
The school partnered with a mental health group to make a garden for students.
Growing connections
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The garden project helps young people make friends and connect with their community.
Gardening helps students connect without needing strong English skills.
Ruby Huang says the garden will lead to cooking classes.
The garden provides a safe space for students to share their traditions.
The project will help students grow their own food.
Students will bring plants from home to share their food culture.
The idea is for students to grow and eat their own food.
Imagine students taking home food from the garden for their parents to cook.
Mental oxygen
Albert is not the only student who likes gardening.
Many new students can connect with gardening.
Regina Glass is teaching sustainability with the garden.
There are many community gardens in Wodonga run by migrants.
The school's 21 students will use the garden for science class.
The project gives students a break from learning English.
Regina Glass with students Ornela and Georgette.
Learning a new language can be very tiring.
Gardening is not like sitting in a class.
Albert has big dreams for his future.
When I have money, I can have my own farm.
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