Asha from Akanksha Foundation called me up last week to conduct a session for their their kids. Looking at her dedication and enthusiasm I rekindled the hope that I have always nurtured of working with this organisation.As it was too hot for a detailed session on city farming,we planned a simple session of taking the children first on a round of the city farm, helping them to identify fruit trees, teaching them the difference between bio degradable and non degradable, followed by composting kitchen waste, a brief demo of making of Amrut Mitti, planting spinach saplings and finally a treat of watching the butterfly caterpillars with Julius.
Children were so excited to begin the session
They thronged to see the tomatoes. and other veggies growing on small tank.
One kiddoo was busy inspecting the wonders of growing cauliflower
I fell in love with his curiosity!
Julius explained about the soil organisms
they all wanted to hold them on their hands, snails, centipedes,earthworms......
The ooohs and aahhhss followed
Their curiosity, happiness and excitement touched my heart
Asha was busy explaining the process
Neesha took over the garbage seggreation session
Children identified what would go into the compost visa vis what
would be sent to recyclers.
here again children heard and followed with rapt attention
Neesha explained the process of composting kitchen waste in earthen pots.
They all promised to do so at home.
The soft compost in the pots excited them so much!
They were elated and couldn't believe that compost could
feel so soft and wonderful!Magic!
then we started our session of making Amrut Mitti in tubs.
Immersing their hands in Amrut jal and playing with leaves.. each one wanted to do it again and again!
The process of nature making soil in forest was explained to them. Asha explained how agriculture progressed after hunters and gathers fended for themselves.
Julius talked about good insects Showed them different caterpillars
excited faces and chatter.... giggling....happy faces!
A treat for us!
Children planted spinach saplings.
Purvita chipped in and took a recap of what had been taught. Thanks to her we could keep up pace
with the children's energy levels.
Snack time....and recap
Corn Bhel.....yummy!
Uday took recap.He encouraged the children to enact and show
what they had observed and learnt.
The children surprised and humbled us!They came up with great ideas to enact. Have captured the precious moments on video. Will have to post after editing the same.......!
Our team was touched by their enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, their bright shining eyes, and their smartness.
We asked them....
Who wants a city farm in their school ?
All eager hands were raised!
All the best kiddos. We are hereto help you. Just a call away!
God bless and love
Urban Leaves Team
