Grants recipients 2010/11
Queen Victoria Annex: Food science project
Joyce Lin & Mala Milanese were involved at Queen Victoria Annex Elementary school in different ways: Joyce as a math mentor through a Trek weekly placement; Mala as a Reading Week participant and leader, creating and delivering science workshops.
Having developed strong working relationships in the school, Joyce and Mala worked with staff and students to develop a project that would integrate the school’s three main goals: science, literacy, and social responsibility. The final project included three stages: weekly baking and food science workshops; write-ups about the workshops; and a food donation component.
Dr. Peter Centre: Writing and photography project
Khatereh Aminoltejari participated in a Trek weekly placement at the Dr. Peter Centre. For eight months, Khatereh had the opportunity to hear stories from residents about their lives and their experiences. She and the staff were eager to capture these stories so that other staff and residents could learn from the residents’ experiences.
Khatereh helped co-develop a writing and photography project, enabling residents to tell their stories in creative ways. At the end of the project, she compiled stories in the form of a zine for staff and residents. The Dr. Peter Centre found the project provided the residents with a sense achievement and empowerment.
YWCA Rooftop Food Garden: Fruit tree project
Eamonn Watson, a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, had participated in two course-based community service learning classes. During LFS 450, Eamonn worked directly with the YWCA Rooftop Food Garden staff to start a new 'mini' orchard project. Through his CSL activities, Eamoon met with YWCA staff to discuss the second phase of the project and how they might develop resources to make the project sustainable. After a number of meetings, Eamonn and the staff decided to plant more fruit trees and develop a guidebook and workshop for volunteers who would be looking after the trees in the future. This project continues to provide women and families at YWCA’s Crabtree Corner with soft fruit that they would not otherwise receive.
Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Kimount Boys & Girls Club: Youth Community Garden Project
Brittany Liska participated in a weekly Trek placement, working with the Mt. Pleasant Learning is First (LIFT) after-school program. During her placement, Brittany learned that many of the youth were passionate about issues of sustainability and environmental conservation and were eager to take on leadership roles in their community.
With input from staff at Mt. Pleasant Elementary and the Kimount Boys and Girls Club, Brittany co-developed a garden program for at-risk youth in the Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood. Brittany’s project helped turn a few overgrown garden beds into four well-kept and productive gardens. Through a 10-week summer program, youth participants learned the value of growing and preparing food, and the importance of sustainable green practices. The garden program continues and it inspired a similar program at another elementary school.
