The Social Responsibility Committee at Beaches Alternative School comprised of parents enthusiastic about working collaboratively with students and teachers, developed a project to foster social responsibility and global citizenship while acting locally and internationally to address water and food issues. The group has now grown to include members of the three additional school communities: Monarch Park C.I., Kimberley Jr. Public School and Adam Beck Jr. Public School... and Glen Ames Junior School (grade 7 & 8).
The Uganda Water and Garden Project is based upon mutual learning and respect with members of a school community in Uganda. Education Director and Environmental Educator, Mr. Moses Lyagoba, identified Kinu Primary School in Eastern Uganda as a disadvantaged school that would benefit from our connection. His vision is to develop Kinu school as an education centre and site for demonstrating sustainable methods to address water and food issues that could be replicated at schools across Uganda.
The project has involved students in a pen pal and art exchange with students at Kinu School as well as activities consistent with the TDSB Curriculum and Character Education Initiative. Students were encouraged to explore local and international water and food issues (associated with local gardening) through literature, science, social studies, geography, visual arts and drama. They were provided with opportunities to reflect on the development of characteristics of respect, empathy, team work and self-respect.
The project has really taken off within it's first 18 months!
• Four schools in Toronto are now involved
• Mr. Lyagoba established a registered Community Based Organization
• Funds were raised to build a 10,000 L Rain Harvesting Tank
• UNESCO in recognition of our efforts, donated a second much needed tank
• TDSB Director of Education invited to Kinu Primary School
