Fruit Trees 4 life
What is it? (short summary)
It’s a joint project of an NGO and a school focusing on fruit trees. There are two components: 1. To plant fruit trees near the students´school (for them to take care of the trees and watch them grow) 2. To prepare and eat fruit meals at all the project meetings, to let the students taste and educate them on the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. Thus, the project can have a double impact on the students lifes: The gain in trees improves their local enviroment, and the habituation to a variety of fruits potentially fosters healthy eating patterns.
It’s suited for: (age/region/context)
Students 6-18 years (both elementary and high school)
Regions/communities where tree planting is allowed/supported by government programmes
In practice it could look like this: (pictures, sequence)
Students from Churchill Boys High School (Zimbabwe) planting trees; fruit meal during practical training
That’s what you need: (material/funds/preparation)
- A place where you can plant trees (preferably near the school)
- Cooperation partner / local NGO with knowledge of tree planting
- Regular project meetings for planting / to look after the trees
- School staff willing to participate and to be responsible fro regular visits to the trees
- Funds for fruit tree seedlings, fruit lunches and if necessary, transportation
That’s why you should do it (purpose/benefits)
Your students learn about the biology of indigineous fruit trees and acquire practical skills in planting
You raise awareness for healthy nutrition and the importance of eating fruit and vegetables
you foster environmental consciousness and help fight climate change
You should also consider (links to resources, ideas for adaptation)
w Building partnerships between tree-planting projects on different continents: exchange and cooperate!
w the website “Food & Trees for Africa” – holds lots of information & educational resources
Author: Cuthbert Mukora | Zarawi Trust (2022)
Ideas on how to adapt this good practice?
Got inspiration for new food learning activties?
Take it to the playground!