Reflections from a year of Education

Thanks to our Education Coordinator Leila Fortunato for writing this reflection.

As we come to the end of 2024, we reflect on the productive year we have had at Energy Garden. Our education has thrived and we are thrilled with the positive influence we have had.

Our Schools Programme has gone from strength to strength!

Horticulture workshops gave children who have never done gardening before a chance to grow their own seeds and engage in learning about the importance of green spaces and where their food comes from. Children were engaged and fascinated during the classroom workshops with the opportunity to use solar panels and voltmeters in practical experiments that expanded their understanding of the need for renewable energy.

Teachers reflected that children benefited from elements like ‘Handling the solar panels and working collaboratively, handling the large maps and navigating areas.’ And said that ‘They really enjoyed the map work and the practical element of using the solar panels, especially as it is something we talk about but can’t fund in school’.

Staff liked the ‘Hands-on learning, Good interaction with students, Clear expectations’ and others said ‘The activities were inclusive and all children could access it. There was a variety of activities also, which was very engaging to the children.’

We are again looking forward to going into London schools in 2025 and delivering free Horticulture and classroom workshops. If you know a school who may be interested, they should contact leila@energygarden.org.uk

This year we have graduated three cohorts of Youth Trainees!

These cohorts covered topics such as renewable energy, business, biodiversity & horticulture, along with media literacy and politics & policy. They completed practical tasks like installing a solar panel at our gardens in Willesden Junction and Acton Central whilst developing their employability and professionalism skills.

Emotions were high over the weekend when 13 graduates from our September cohort graduated on Saturday at our Winter Fair, with each person reflecting on their journey and the impact that different facilitators and sessions had on them. Below is a poem by Mert:

‘We built with light, the sun our guide,

Harnessing power, far and wide.

With hands in soil, we planted seeds,

A future growing from noble deeds.

From Brondesbury Park to Hatton Cross,

We journeyed together, no time was lost.

Learning the earth, its voice so clear,

Protecting the world we hold so dear.

In halls of parliament, we took our stand,

Dreaming of change, a greener land.

Today we stand, a mission in view,

The work is endless, but we’ll see it through.

For every seed and solar ray,

Brings hope for a brighter, better day.’

We are now recruiting for our February cohort with interviews well on the way. If you know a young person who is enthusiastic about improving their skills and knowledge and committed to investing in themselves then they can sign up here and send their CV to leila@energygarden.org.uk

The latest cohort of youth trainees receive their graduation certificates at the Winter Party.