In the Shipibo-Konibo community of Santa Clara in the peruvian Amazon, many children go to school without having breakfast. Poor nutrition, mainly due to lack of resources, has a negative impact on childhood development. Through a dynamic and participatory learning process involving music, dance, and arts, children will support their own developmental needs through the creation of a school-based community garden.
Poor nutrition has a negative impact on childhood development. Evidence shows that when children show up to school hungry, not only does their academic performance suffer, but also their personal classroom experience. In Santa Clara, teachers and families alike have noted inconsistent school attendance and lack of participation in classrooms. Together, we are working to address these issues with a community garden implemented with a hands-on, multidisciplinary approach.
This project hopes to motivate children to take ownership of their own nutrition via intergrative methods that will also inspire them to participate in the development of curricula. By starting this community garden, children will begin to learn the skills necessary to plant, grow and harvest crops. Gardening will also provide an excellent introduction to environmental studies. In the process, we will foster social, emotional and creative development through physical and arts-based lesson plans.
Our diverse intercultural education and permaculture initiatives have already created visible results and received high praise from community members, neighboring schools, and the regional government. We aim to continue these efforts, supporting a new generation in Santa Clara. Alianza Arkana will provide necessary resources to promote the auto-sustainability of this community garden and similar ecological projects in the future.
