Children attending the recently organized sessions indulged in an array of fun-filled and educational activities. They enjoyed the creative task of designing composting creatures, which helped instill a sense of environmental responsibility in them at a young age. The process entailed turning everyday waste into a resource that could replenish the earth. They had the opportunity to learn about composting in a creative, hands-on manner and later completed quizzes about peashoot planting and composting, furthering their understanding of sustainable practices.
The quizzes involved questions about which waste products can be composted, effectively educating the children about waste management. They were able to learn what type of waste could be converted into compost, reinforcing their knowledge about the do’s and don’ts of composting. This interactive activity sparked the children’s interest and prompted them to apply their knowledge in real life.
An added highlight was the baking sessions where volunteers actively engaged the children in cooking activities using surplus food. This served a dual purpose of teaching the children about the judicious use of food and reducing food wastage. The session also introduced the kids to the concept of food miles, explaining how our food choices can impact the environment due to the costs of transporting food over long distances.
In the spirit of the festive season, volunteers and children collectively made popcorn and cranberry garlands. This enabled them to celebrate the holiday while also learning about traditional ways of decorating. Crafting the garlands together fostered teamwork and creativity among the children.
The sessions, which occur in a chain of five, are funded by Vale of White Horse District Council. The council’s support backs the initiative by providing the necessary facilities and resources. The programs are also linked to local homework clubs, integrating the learning from these activities into the broader school curriculum.
The driving force behind these sessions is Kate Farrington, who operates the café where these sessions are conducted. In her statement, Kate applauded the energy and enthusiasm of the young participants and expressed her satisfaction about successfully keeping the children engaged and informed in the last five weeks through a whirlwind of varied activities. She also declared their plans to continue this initiative next year, with their next phase slated to run between the New Year and the February half term.
Kate extended her gratitude towards the local organizations Replenish and Wild Wantage for their invaluable help and contributions. She acknowledged the role they played in making the sessions successful. These organizations, with their wide range of resources and knowledge about sustainable living, provided necessary expertise and support throughout the series of sessions, allowing children to appreciate and understand the importance of ecological balance.
Source: Oxford Mail
