Pupils are helping grow fruit and vegetables at school
Grapes and tangerines are among healthy foods being grown in the grounds of an Irvine primary school.
Children and staff at Elderbank Primary have teamed up with parent Yousif Al Ahmed to create a garden inside a polytunnel.
The growing area was created a few years ago through the Pupil Equity Fund and it has gone from strength to strength.
Headteacher Jacqueline Robertson is delighted with the project’s progress, saying: “Yousif developed the polytunnel with the children, and they have been growing produce and then using it within the school to cook.
“It has been great for the children to grow their own produce, and for them to see the whole process – from seed to plate.”
Four of Yousif’s five children have been, or currently are, pupils at the school and he got involved in the growing project last year.
He has grown - among other things - chillies, tangerines, white grapes, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, spinach and cucumbers.
Talented gardener Yousif, from Syria, said: “It is good for all of the children to learn about how fruit and vegetables are grown, and is especially good for children with sensory needs – like my own son, who has autism and is an Elderbank pupil.”
Earlier this year, Yousif picked up a The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT) Adult Volunteer Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution thanks to the work he has put in at the polytunnel.
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said members of the New Scots community working in partnership with the council in such a positive way is inspiring.
Quote: Congratulations to Jacqueline and her team, Yousif and the children for growing such wonderful produce here in North Ayrshire. I think many people will be surprised that things like grapes and tangerines can thrive in our climate! This project shows what can be achieved when people of all ages - and from all walks of life - work together. Well done to Yousif on winning his TACT award.
Quote from: Councillor Shaun Macaulay ,
Cabinet Member for Education and Young People
Yousif was nominated, along with other New Scots, for a TACT award by the council’s ESOL and New Scots team.
Community Development (ESOL) Worker Calum Paul added: “It is fantastic to see that New Scots are getting to share their experiences and showcase the skills and knowledge they have.”
Pupils Cody Lee (10) and Charlie (11) are among children who enjoy rolling their sleeves up, getting their hands dirty and growing produce in the polytunnel.
Cody Lee said “We love growing pumpkins, apples and oranges in the garden” while Charlie said his nan’s love of gardening inspired him to get involved.
Please note: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) became part of Scots law earlier this year, highlighting that everyone has an ongoing responsibility to protect the rights of our children. The council follows and respects the UNCRC to ensure that all children’s rights are respected and that they are free to learn, play and develop. Children are learning about these rights in school and Article 24 of the Convention highlights that they have the right to healthy food – and Elderbank Primary’s growing project is a fine example of this. See list of UNCRC articles.
Published: 28 November 2024