„The Secret Garden"

 

Implementer : Sociotherapy Youth Centre

 

Problem: The centre did not have a garden or other green space which could be a good location for having sociatherapeutic sessions as well as hands-on activities giving pupils a chance to widen their knowledge about different plant species and give them a better understanding of the need to care for and conserve nature as our common good.

 

Objective: The main objective of the project was to creat a „Secret Garden", which would be a site for the centre's pupils to learn about the environment and develop pro-environmental habits and behaviours.

 

Project implementation and results:

1. Organising a kick-off event to inform and engage the community in the project and its goals.

2. Conducting a workshop on safety rules for the centre's pupils and volunteers from the Walim Secondary School.

3. Making initial preparations for converting the green space available into a garden, including by removing weeds and levelling out the soil.

4. Work on creating the garden:

- setting up a front lawn leading to the garden,

- building benches and fencing using wood provided by the forest ranger; afterwards, waterproofing it,

- setting up a pergola,

- planting purchased plants together with local youth,

- setting out rubbish bins,

- designating and setting aside space for a fireplace,

- a sign with the name of the garden made by the centre's pupils,

- ID signs for the different plant species found in the garden, made by the centre's pupils,

- building bird-feeders.

5. Practical, hands-on environmental education activities focused on observing and getting to know the immediate natural surroundings.

6. Environmental/nature contests and competitions.

7. The opening ceremony marking the completion of the garden - a picnic attended by all those who assisted in the project and gave their time and effort to make it a success.

8. The appearance of an article in the local press summing up the project and giving information about its results.

 

Project partners (and contribution):

• Walim Secondary School (Gymnasium) No. 1 - pupil volunteers
• Walim Public Library - assisted in promoting the project
• Head of Walim Municipality - provided rubbish bins
• St. Barbara's Parish - assistance in promoting the project
• „Wiola" Flowershop in Walim- providing flowers and flowerpots
• National Forest Administration- Sowie Mountains Forestry Office

 

 

 

 

Grant amount, other sources of funding:

 

 

 

School and project contact information: