Breaking Barriers: Fostering Inclusivity and Food Security
In a world where various barriers persist, initiatives like those undertaken by Foothills Academy and Disability Foundation’s Disabled Independent Gardeners Association shine brightly as beacons of hope and change.
We invite you to look how they are helping transform the lives of others through innovative programs that promote inclusivity, education, sustainability and ensures a better quality of life.
Empowering Education at Foothills Academy, Calgary, AB
Foothills Academy, a private school for 300 students with learning disabilities, created their 4 ft x 6 ft u-shaped raised garden beds to make it more accessible to disabled students and in support of their commitment to environmental education.
Specializing in students with learning disabilities, the school fosters an environment where everyone not only learns but thrives.
Photo caption (left to right): Kim McLean, Principal, Foothills Academy Society; Yhara Harrison, Education Assistant; Foothills Academy Society; Irene Velkova, Plant a Seed Foundation volunteer and Sean Horton, Vice Principal, Foothills Academy at the cheque presentation.
Central to their approach is the Beehive Club, a groundbreaking initiative that integrates gardening with education. Students not only learn about sustainable practices but also experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
As Yharra Harrison, Educational Assistant at Foothills Academy explains,
“One of the main reasons I wanted to start The Beehive Club at Foothills Academy was to teach the next generation how radical and revolutionary growing our own fruits and vegetables can be. Not only is gardening one of the most important tools to sustainability, it is also a great learning tool with kids with learning disabilities. Many of our students find peace and purpose in gardening, especially during stressful times like exams.”
Through community involvement and donations, the school has expanded its gardening efforts, enriching not just the students’ experiences but also feeding the local community. The impact extends beyond academics, fostering social connections and inspiring lifelong learning.
DIGA Foundation, Vancouver, BC: Accessible Gardens, Inclusive Communities
Meanwhile, across Metro Vancouver, Disability Foundation’s Disabled Independent Gardeners Association (DIGA) pioneers accessible gardening solutions for individuals with physical disabilities. Managing several accessible community gardens, DIGA ensures that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the benefits of gardening. “Our gardens aren’t just about plants; they’re about empowerment,” remarks Shareen Pasco, Program Coordinator, DIGA/Disability Foundation emphasizing the community-building aspect of their work.
Photo caption (left to right standing): David Fong, Executive Director, Disability Foundation; Regina Nebrida, Community Relations Advisor, Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation; Marie-Michelle Briere, Recreation Therapist at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre & Graeme Wyman, Program Manager, Disability Foundation
(left to right seated): Anthony Salangsang, DIGA member; Elizabeth Perron, DIGA board member, Disability Foundation & Maureen DeLandreville, Chair Emeritus & Vice-Chair, Disability Foundation.
“What I like about DIGA is that they provide all the equipment, all the seeds and plants and volunteers. It is great to be apart of this amazing community.”, said Elizabeth Perron DIGA member and board member.
Through adaptive tools and educational workshops, DIGA equips gardeners with the knowledge and resources needed to cultivate their own food, promoting self-sufficiency and nutrition education. The impact is profound, as observed in increased social connections and improved mental wellbeing among participants.
Join Us in Making a DifferenceAs we celebrate the successes of Foothills Academy, DIGA Foundation, and our other funded projects, we at the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Your support can help expand our reach, providing more access to educational opportunities, nutritious meals and improve the quality of lives. Together, we can break barriers, foster inclusivity, and ensure a brighter future for all. Take action today.
