Hosted by SALL , contributed by Ioannis F on 29 May 2024
In our area there is a local vineyard that cooperates with a Greek organization that is working on the preservation of Greek seeds and also with the Foundation Ensemble, which helps in organizing gardening workshops in schools. Lab meetings can be held between students and this vineyard to identify and explore an appropriate problem and possible solutions. Students can learn about composting, worm compost, gardening and can taste different local products.
Background
The students of the school will manage to protect the seeds of their region (the island of Patmos). They will be engaged in gardening and tree planting lessons and will create a small seedbed at the school and they will be responsible for its maintenance during the year. Students may attend gardening and tree planting courses from partner organizations and there is no need in having previous experience on the techniques. They will borrow the necessary materials from a local florist company – sponsor, the school may provide a separate space with plants, and they will work as a team to benefit from the lessons and the cooperation with the local associations.
Aim
The aim of the living lab project is to create a culture for the preservation of local plant varieties and the acquisition of skills from the students. The disappearance of local varieties and the introduction of new genetically modified plants reduce the biodiversity and richness of the area. Students will develop cultivating skills and will help the local community to conserve local plant species and will develop cooperation with societal actors. Students will have an introduction to the concepts of biodiversity and ecosystem balance in their Biology course and will benefit from acquiring gardening skills. The social agencies will acquire volunteers and promote their work within the local community through the students.
Co-creation with societal actors
I chose to work with the two local associations because their area of interest is relevant to the purpose of the living lab project, because they have the expertise to show students the practices of tree planting and gardening, they have a special role into the local society and they are open to collaborations with schools. Cooperation with them is expected to last between two to three months on a weekly basis.
Implementation
Number of trees decreased due to dryness in the area and in some cases the natural environment needs to be restored. There is also a limited local production of honey, oil and wine products which is related to the traditions of the island. These products compete with foreign products and their protection is necessary to reduce the environmental footprint. The idea of inviting the two local associations to a partnership started from the belief that students would get motivated from the cooperation with the two local clubs from their experienced members.
The implementation of the idea starts with a first communication with the associations and with a planning activity. Workshops will be attended by students and then they will discuss the benefits they received from the collaboration. We believe that the idea of students watching tree planting and gardening practices will engage them with practice and learning and that the activities would give them useful practical skills. Workshop sessions and discussion between members and students is expected to generate ideas and solutions.
Reflection
Putting into practice this program will provide us with information for a constructive reflection. Questionnaires will be used to assess student participation and interest.
Futurel Plans
I plan to implement the present live workshop with my students in the future.