Empower 180+ Students with Holistic Food Education

Under the guidance of our Growing Adelante Program Director, Nicole, Thursdays have become a focal point for comprehensive environmental and food cycle education for our students. Each week, tailored activities guide them through the intricate journey of food from growth to consumption to disposal. 

Designed for each grade level, these activities range from nature connection outings to green spaces within the school, art projects using natural resources, educational games, and gardening tasks. Notably, our students have crafted three raised beds from sustainable materials found on our school grounds. Learning to create these beds marks the beginning of our ambitious milpa project, wherein they will cultivate staple foods like corn, beans, and squash while learning about sustainable farming practices.

Beyond dedicated gardening classes, lessons from the Growing Adelante program are integrated into our daily curriculum. For instance:

• Preschoolers learn about soil care and maintenance for plant growth while also refining math skills through outdoor observations.
• Fourth-grade students embrace resourcefulness by repurposing egg cartons to plant various seeds, such as melon.
• Seventh-grade students experiment with bean seeds and cotton to understand how sunlight or shade impacts plant growth, learning hands-on about the scientific method and critical scientific skills.

Our unforgettable educational field trip to Rancho Barahona in San Juan del Sur this past February stands out as a cherished memory for our students. This experience provided them with invaluable insights into plant cultivation, animal care, and crop harvesting, reinforcing classroom learning in a real-world context. Plus, it was such a fun time!

We're excited to see our garden flourish and the Growing Adelante program thrive. With your generous support, we empower our students to not only put healthy meals on their own tables but also contribute to a world where food security is a reality for all. Thank you for helping us cultivate a love for nature, promote environmental stewardship, and nurture conscientious global citizens.