Brightwood , Washington DC
Join a Global Exploration for Educators Organization expedition to Southern Africa to learn from schools with garden projects and establish a school garden that encourages healthy habits and cultural understanding while combating obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Standing at the Cape of Good Hope, where two oceans converge, I felt nature's power. This moment mirrored the resilience and collaboration I saw during my fellowship,proof that even in the most challenging environments, growth and transformation.
An improvised greenhouse in rural Botswana, built from recycled scrap metal. It stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and resourcefulness, nurturing life despite harsh conditions, and teaching students the power of innovation.
An improvised kickball game in Botswana, where students use a handmade ball and dusty field. Despite limited resources, their enthusiasm and teamwork shine, reflecting the creativity and resilience that shaped every part of their education.
The mighty Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, cascading with thunderous power. This natural wonder represents the awe and inspiration I felt throughout my journey reminding me that, like the falls, education has the power to transform and nourish community
Students and teachers join forces for the monthly neighborhood cleanup in Botswana. This program not only fosters pride in their environment but also teaches responsibility, collaboration, and the impact of collective action
Endless waves of golden sand stretching into the horizon, where time stands still and the wind carves stories into the dunes. Namibia's desert whispers of adventure, resilience, and the beauty of untouched nature.
During my fellowship in Southern Africa, I visited a rural school where students turned a barren plot of land into a thriving garden using only essen tools, recycled containers, and homemade compost. Seeing the children’s ingenuity, like using old tires as plant beds and rainwater collected from makeshift gutters, was eye-opening. This experience was powerful because it demonstrated how resourcefulness and community collaboration can overcome limited resources to create sustainable food sources.
During the fellowship, I discovered my resilience and ability to adapt when faced with unfamiliar challenges, as I worked alongside communities to find creative solutions with limited resources. Professionally, I learned the profound impact of hands-on education, realizing that sustainable practices can be taught and implemented effectively, even in the most resource-constrained environments, inspiring me to focus on empowerment through practical learning.
An unexpected experience during my fellowship was witnessing how school gardens became more than just learning spaces. They evolved into community hubs where families shared knowledge and labor to support one another. Initially, I expected the focus to be purely educational, but seeing the gardens foster social cohesion and resilience was a powerful, unplanned outcome. This difference highlighted how grassroots initiatives can ripple beyond their intended scope, and economic impacts.
I plan to implement an outdoor-based curriculum by establishing a student-run garden where they will grow and harvest nutritious foods, directly connecting them to the nutritional unit in health class. Each week, students will engage in hands-on lessons that tie plant biology and health education, giving them a holistic understanding of nutrition. By involving them in every step, from planting to preparing meals,the garden will serve as a living classroom.
I can leverage my fellowship by guiding students in designing and cultivating their school gardens, allowing them to apply nutritional concepts through hands-on learning. This authentic experience will include researching which crops best support a balanced diet and planning the garden’s layout, fostering problem-solving and teamwork. Additionally, students will engage the local community by sharing their harvest, encouraging health education and community involvement.
My fellowship will extend beyond the classroom by involving families and community members in garden workshops, where they can learn sustainable gardening practices alongside students. The garden will serve as a hub for afterschool programs, providing opportunities for student-led projects and community food-sharing events. Additionally, I will collaborate with colleagues to integrate the garden into various subjects, creating interdisciplinary learning experiences that impact the entire school.