La Romana, August 9, 2016

Ecohuertos moved last August 5 to the Escuela Hogar del Niño de la Romana to teach the course-workshop “The Garden in the School Curriculum” which is part of the series of workshops scheduled during the start of the new school year, addressed to teachers of academic institutions, introducing the vegetable garden as a field of cognitive development, attitudes and values within the curriculum.

As explained by the EcoHuertos program coordinator, the Escuela Hogar del Niño "showed once again to be integrated by a professorial population of human quality, cheerful, dynamic and optimistic people." More than 70 teachers participated animatedly on this journey of learning-teaching-sharing that took place throughout the morning and early afternoon.

To begin, there was a discussion on the concept of the garden construction: definition, benefits, purposes, types, vegetables, planting, care and maintenance of the garden. Then we proceeded to planning activities, dynamics and projects for the students, where the school garden can be the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values. To conclude for the day, activities proposed by teachers were defined, under Fundamental and Specific skills in the Dominican Curricular Design.

At the end of the activity, teachers expressed how grateful and motivated they were to have received this training, since within the center's projects for the 2016-2017 school year is expanding the garden and including the initial level in the activity.

The coordinator of early childhood education Aura Rodriguez said: "I am very motivated and grateful for this training and as a coordinator I have seen the prosperity of the garden we have in school thanks to the awareness campaign and assessment, and follow-up support and training that GFDD and Funglode offers. "

About EcoHuertos The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

Related Links: 

www.eco-huertos.org 

www.globalfoundationdd.org

Santo Domingo, March 9, 2016

On February 23, 2016, Cristiana Cruz Minier, coordinator of the EcoHuertos program, visited the Eco Garden of Escuela Básica Concepción Bona for a sowing session.

Fourth and fifth graders, members of the Eco Huertos group, helped by three teachers and the gardener, started by cleaning and weeding the school vegetable garden and then removing the soil from the planting beds. Later on planting seedlings of peppers, tomato, common lettuce, romaine, flat-leave parsley, cabbage, onion, and curly parsley seeds.

The Dialogic Inquiry Strategy was applied throughout the work day. It consists of inquiries that encourage responses, comments and questions from the students, on concepts related to gardening and to nature in general.

Congratulations to the members of Grupo Eco Huertos from Escuela Básica Concepción Bona for their enthusiasm and dedication in the management of the vegetable garden!

November 4, 2015

Several days ago, employees of Funglode Publishing received a visit from the coordinator of the EcoHuertos program, who stopped by to check on the ongoing chores related to the upkeep and progress of their vegetable garden. They inspected the planters, baskets, garden boxes and flowerbeds as well as got rid of leaves and weeds then refilled and aerated the containers. They also planted several types of seedlings, including baby spinach, tomatoes, basil, lettuce, chard and peppers. 

January 23, 2015

With extensive assistance was held, on Tuesday, January 20, the Induction Workshop of Eco-Huertos program in the Escuela Básica Concepción Bona, located in Hato Nuevo,
Manoguayabo in the municipality of Santo Domingo Oeste, Province of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

The group of participants was varied and was composed of representatives of the school community, including students; teachers and school personnel, as well as janitors, the PTA and technical school district, among other attendees.

The workshop was hosted by Cristiana Cruz Minier, program coordinator, who noted that "enthusiasm and the constant desire to learn characterized the group, that actively
participated with questions and comments about what’s a garden and its usefulness, as well as what are the materials needed and how to organize the items to build a sustainable garden, among other issues”, she emphasized.  

At the end of the workshop each participant was presented with a copy of the guide "How to Build a School Garden", a practical manual published by GFDD / Funglode for students to learn, in a very simply, how to make a garden. Attendees were instructed on the content of the guide and its utility. They also received a brief explanation of the different types of gardens, which plants can be grown and their care, among other tips to follow when creating a garden.

"It was great when, at the end of the workshop, a group of teachers and students sang a song alluding to the future garden they will have in school, which is the product of a joint effort of the whole community," said program coordinator Eco-Huertos.

Created in 2012, the Eco-Huertos program aims to support the creation of sustainable and organic gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, and to support, through practical field activities, the areas of natural science contained in the curriculum. The program also raises awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and
emphasizes the value of consumption of fruits and vegetables.

June 4, 2014

Year End Visit to Loyola School  

On Friday June 6, 2014, the EcoHuertos program met with Diana Murcia who is in charge of the school garden at Loyola School. The progress of the garden throughout the school year was evaluated in preparation for the next term. 

Professor Murcia said the following:

1-The students worked enthusiastically in the garden and encouraged their parents to take an interest and help monitor and care for the garden. Several families, through their children, went on to create their own vegetable gardens at home or to revive old gardens that were already on their land. 

2-The school garden was used as a tool to support the development of skills while strengthening concepts as well as values. 

3-The garden served a practical purpose for recycling and reusing materials.  

4-Several teachers got involved in the gardening chores, which motivated others in the school to do the same. 

4-School Rector, Father Francisco Lluberes, S.J., viewed the vegetable garden as a very gratifying experience for the students who were involved and for the entire school in general. 

Professor Diana Murcia said her students gave her their own evaluation of the experience: “Everything we did in the school garden was really good. It didn’t matter that a few plants died or that some seeds never germinated. The fact that we planted them and took care of them, and that we were able to think and plan what we would do and resolve any problems, all that was important for us.” 

April 2, 2014

As part of the training phase at the centers where we work, the EcoHuertos program has been successfully giving courses on Pollinators and Pests. This course, given by entomologist Ruth Bastardo Landrau, MSc., enable attendees to understand the concept of pollinators and pests, which species carry out those roles, environmental factors that benefit or harm them, the biological and environmental characteristics that allow them to be pollinators or pests and the role they play in a garden or farm.     

The following centers took part in the course between January-April: 

April 2: Quisqueya School with 28 participants on Wednesday.

Those attending the workshops came with many questions and comments that demonstrated an enormous level of motivation and interest. 

As part of the follow-up to the gardens already set up, the course ended with a donation of seeds that corresponding to the needs and conditions of each center, such as: tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, lettuce, basil, cubanela peppers, leeks, onions, beets, bell peppers, okra, spinach, pumpkin and parsley. 

At the end of the session, we paid a visit to the garden and the instructor provided pointers on how to best protect them from pests, as well as tips on how to include pollinators that contribute to increasing the harvest. 

We are so proud of the Centers that are part of our EcoHuertos Program!

March 19, 2014

The EcoHuertos Program has successfully undertaken a series of courses as part of the training it offers. 

The Basic Cultivation Course, given by Agronomy Engineer Wilkin Encarnación, helped attendees understand basic horticultural concepts and answered many questions, such as: What is a garden? What are the different types of gardens? What should be taken into account when growing vegetables? They also looked at what kinds of plants would grow best in the each garden type.

The following centers took part in the course between January-March: 

March 19: Loyola School with 109 participants. 

Those who attended the workshop participated with a great deal of interest and came with lots of questions, comments and personal anecdotes about their own growing experiences.

As part of the follow-up to the gardens already set up, the course ended with a donation of seeds corresponding to the needs and conditions of each garden system, such as: tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, lettuce, basil, cubanela peppers, leeks, onions, beets, bell peppers, okra, spinach, pumpkin and parsley. 

At the end of the course, the instructor paid a visit to the garden, making suggestions on the efficient care of plants, their general appearance and weed control, water and sun needs as well as nutrient requirements.

March 3, 2014

EcoHuertos Follow-up Site Visits

On March 3, 2014, GFDD/FUNGLODE’s EcoHuertos Program under the leadership of Cristiana Cruz Minier, undertook follow-up visits to three schools to look at the progress of their respective school vegetable gardens. 

8:00 AM: Youth in Development School, Cristo Rey. 

A positive aspect of the visit was that she took me to the garden where I met Professor of Physical Education, Ricardo Paula, who is in charge of the garden and was cleaning the garden when we arrived.

He told me the tomato seeds we donated had not germinated, but that he brought some seeds from his father’s farm in Azua. The rest of the seeds we planted germinated successfully including beets, lettuce, spinach and carrots. The ornamental and aromatic plants donated were also thriving and very beautiful. Professor Ricardo has been motivating the students and setting a good example for several of them who are working in the garden.  

Conclusion: We recommend that Professor Ricardo Paula take the lead and officially organize the EcoHuertos Group within the school. The program will endeavor to maintain contact with him directly on its progress.

9:30 AM Capotillo Educational Center, El Capotillo. 

The wall garden is looking great and has been a success! The gardening boxes located in the eastern hall of the garden were unkempt and inundated with water. 

Conclusion: It was suggested that they move their flowering beds to better location, letting them dry, and painting them with an anti-fungal solution. 

10:40 AM Republic of Paraguay School, Ciudad Nueva.

Professor Johnny Wilton Rosa de Jesus greeted me at this school.  The garden was clean and looked well tended. They added space to plant more seeds and to set up a nursery. They undertook an observation campaign and, in doing so, discovered that the animals attacking their plants were not pigeons but rather slugs.  I instructed them on how to eliminate the slugs.  One student went onto Facebook to share his experiences at the garden with others. 

Conclusion: There is a need to carry out the Pollinators and Pests course before the close of the school year. 

February 12, 2014

The EcoHuertos Program has successfully undertaken a series of courses as part of the training it offers. 

The Basic Cultivation Course, given by Agronomy Engineer Wilkin Encarnación, helped attendees understand basic horticultural concepts and answered many questions, such as: What is a garden? What are the different types of gardens? What should be taken into account when growing vegetables? They also looked at what kinds of plants would grow best in the each garden type.

The following centers took part in the course between January-March: 

February 12: Environmental Cleanup Foundation with 14 participants. 

Those who attended the workshop participated with a great deal of interest and came with lots of questions, comments and personal anecdotes about their own growing experiences.

As part of the follow-up to the gardens already set up, the course ended with a donation of seeds corresponding to the needs and conditions of each garden system, such as: tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, lettuce, basil, cubanela peppers, leeks, onions, beets, bell peppers, okra, spinach, pumpkin and parsley. 

At the end of the course, the instructor paid a visit to the garden, making suggestions on the efficient care of plants, their general appearance and weed control, water and sun needs as well as nutrient requirements.

February 4, 2014

The EcoHuertos Program has successfully undertaken a series of courses as part of the training it offers. 

The Basic Cultivation Course, given by Agronomy Engineer Wilkin Encarnación, helped attendees understand basic horticultural concepts and answered many questions, such as: What is a garden? What are the different types of gardens? What should be taken into account when growing vegetables? They also looked at what kinds of plants would grow best in the each garden type.

The following centers took part in the course between January-March: 

February 4: Unión Panamericana Secondary School with 21 participants.

Those who attended the workshop participated with a great deal of interest and came with lots of questions, comments and personal anecdotes about their own growing experiences.

As part of the follow-up to the gardens already set up, the course ended with a donation of seeds corresponding to the needs and conditions of each garden system, such as: tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, lettuce, basil, cubanela peppers, leeks, onions, beets, bell peppers, okra, spinach, pumpkin and parsley. 

At the end of the course, the instructor paid a visit to the garden, making suggestions on the efficient care of plants, their general appearance and weed control, water and sun needs as well as nutrient requirements.

January 17, 2014

On Friday January 17, 2014, an EcoHuertos garden creation workshop was held at the Fe y Vida Abundante Church Center Foundation, located in the Favidrio Residential Area in Madre Vieja, San Cristobal.

The group successfully put together and planted a vegetable garden made up of 19 flowerbeds bounded by concrete blocks and stones that were already there. In addition, aromatic and medicinal plants were also planted inside several used tires, which were then painted by members of the center.

Members of the religious community who previously took part in the EcoHuertos Induction Workshop on October 25, 2013 were also involved in this activity.

The following fruits and vegetables were planted: melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, beets, carrots, eggplant, okra, spinach, celery, cubanela peppers, lettuce, radish, passion fruit and chili peppers. The herbs and spices included: oregano, sage pennyroyal, basil, lemon balm as well as seeds for such ornamental plants as Garden Four O’clock  (Mirabilis jalapa, Nyctaginaceae).

The event was held in a pleasant and fun atmosphere, with the enthusiastic participation of the centers children.

December 18, 2013

On Wednesday December 18, 2013, we collaborated with Mr. Kenni Figuereo and his wife Mrs. Yumary Castillo in Barreras de Azua with a donation consisting of tubing and the necessary implements to transport water to the family vegetable garden. We also paid for the plumbers to set up the tubing. The also provided seeds, seedlings and organic fertilizer.

Mr. Kenni’s garden is 60 x 15 meters and is partially cultivated with bananas and taros.

The seeds we donated included radishes, tomatoes, spinach, leeks, carrots, okra, lettuce, celery, beets, eggplants, peppers, melon, cucumbers and yellow squash. We also donated chinola seedlings and oregano seeds.

Welcome Figuereo Castillo Family to the EcoHuertos Program!

December 18, 2013

On Wednesday December 18, 2013, we undertook the planting of the Bernadina Agramonte family garden in Barreras Azul. The 30 x 20 foot garden is made up of thirteen walls located in the backyard of their home.

Members of the family took part in this activity including some children who make up the EcoHuertos Group of Las Barreras Early Education and Elementary School.

They planted the following: radishes, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, onions, okra, lettuce, celery, beets, eggplants, peppers, melons, cucumber, yellow squash and spinach.

The activity was carried out in a very pleasant and gratifying atmosphere, especially with the joyful energy of the participating children.

EcoHuertos welcomes the Agramonte family!

December 6, 2013

On Friday December 6, 2013, the EcoHuertos program held a garden creation workshop at the Braulio Paulino Polytechnic school in Tamboril, Santiago.

Along the side yard of the Eastern wall of the educational center, we set up plastic gallon containers along the walls, and erected a perimeter fence around planter boxes that had been previously stored at students’ homes. The fence, 9 by 15 feet, was made with recycled wooden pallets. Old rubber car tires were also used to plant seeds, which were donated from local tire repair shop.

Students collected coconut shells discarded by coconut water vendors, and broke them up to be used as substrate base for the planter beds, as they retain humidity and add nutrition to the soil. One of the students also brought some organic compost he had made at home.

All the students from the November 15th EcoHuertos Induction Workshop took part in this activity. They worked with their Physical Education teacher alongside the carpenter in building of the perimeter fence.  They cleaned up debris and other useless material from the area, pruned trees and prepared the beds for planting.

They planted the following: leeks, tomatoes, green beans, passion fruit, eggplant, ginger, garlic, peppers, celery, spinach, okra, beets, carrots, radishes, onions, melons, cucumber, parsley, basil, lettuce, cilantro, rosemary, lavender, oregano, pennyroyal, peppermint as well as some ornamental plants like bromeliads, Huernia(from Milkweed family), Snake Plant and Sedum.

The students demonstrated incredible energy and wonderful spirit throughout the whole morning. They worked as a team and dedicated their positive energy and time to creating a fabulous garden.

Congratulations!

November 28, 2013

On Thursday November 28, 2013, the EcoHuertos Program held a garden creation workshop at the Republic of Paraguay School located in Santo Domingo.

Students from the EcoHuertos Induction workshop, held on November 12th attended the activity.

At this school, a roof vegetable garden was created using 4.20 m x 3.30 garden beds, in keeping with the measurements designated by the school.  For the construction of the garden, recycled wood was used to create a perimeter fence around the beds. Students helped build the perimeter fence, cleaned the dirt and debris and anything else not needed for the roof garden. They pruned trees and prepared the beds for planting. The edges around the boxes were secured by rocks collected at the school. In addition to the flowerbeds on the roof garden, other students got inspired and created a couple of neighboring flowerbeds to grow vegetables.

The following vegetables and fruits were planted: tomatoes, leeks, parsley, basil, beans, lettuce, spinach, melons, eggplant, pepper, garlic, celery, beets, carrots, radish, onions carrots and oregano.

November 20, 2013

On Wednesday November 20, 2013, an EcoHuertos garden creation workshop was held at the Capotillo Education Center, located in Santo Domingo.

Due to the limited amount of space available at the school, the vegetable garden will consist of vertical cultivation along the walls utilizing recycled gallon containers and three planter boxes 1 X 0.5m² in diameter.

Students from the previous induction workshop celebrated on October 30th joined the activity.

The group prepared the substrate, gallon containers and planter boxes.

The following seeds were planted in the boxes: tomato, radish, parsley, beets, basil, lettuce, eggplant, celery, green beans, spinach, pepper, chili pepper, leeks, okra and cilantro.

Ornamental plants were planted in the vertical wall garden to beautify the school, as well as some aromatic and medicinal plants such as: sage, oregano, and hawkweed.

The children, parents and teachers that participated in this activity looked happy and expressed how wonderful it was to get together and build their school garden.

November 12, 2013

On Tuesday November 12, 2013 an Induction Workshop for the EcoHuertos Program was held at the Republic of Paraguay School in Santo Domingo.

There were 47 participants at the workshop, representing the educational community, including students, teachers, support staff, administrators, directors and parents.
Everyone cheerfully took part in the presentation, group discussion and brainstorming session. They analyzed and responded to such questions as:  What is a vegetable garden?  Why do we want one? What do we have and what do we need to create one? How should we organize ourselves to create a sustainable vegetable garden? Answers to each of these questions were important for developing the concept of a garden and to establish individual and group commitments.

Ideas were presented about the different types of vegetable gardens as well as types of plants could be cultivated as well as basic care techniques were reviewed. The group also received copies of the manual “How to Create a Vegetable Garden,” that will serve as a resource guide for the creation of school garden.

The workshop concluded with a site visit to location where garden will be built. Cristiana Cruz Minier, EcoHuertos program coordinator, took advantage of site visit to review the steps involved in garden creation and set clear expectations for the group.

Students from the Paraguay school showed great interest and desire to get involved in the creation of the vegetable garden and shared their past experiences with gardening and growing food.

November 8, 2013

Friday, November 8th, we did an Induction Workshop for the EcoHuertos Program at the Quisqueya Educational Center in Santiago de los Caballeros.

There were 40 students, teachers, personnel, support staff, and parents at the workshop.

The presentation was a recount of all the marvelous happenings throughout the day. They introduced the concept of a garden and the different types of gardens, what plants we can sow, how to care for them, etc.

One of the working methods was aimed at defining the reasons why the center needs a garden, and the answer was: “We need a garden because it creates a direct connection to the community. The garden will motivate the staff to promote more in their own communities, and in addition, it’s a medium to work as a Center Project in order to enjoy many other activities like World Food Day, for example.”

Individual and group commitments were arrived at regarding the future of the garden. We gave each participant the manual, “How to make a school garden,” and explained how to use it.

Our final activity, as always, consisted of a group visit to the site chosen for the garden. Once there, they had to decide the future of the garden and brainstorm about what they could do as members of the community to help the garden.

October 30, 2013

On Wednesday October 30th, we held an induction workshop at the Capotillo Education Center in Ensanche Capotillo, north of Santo Domingo.

Thirty people, including students, teachers, staff, parents and two invited guests from the local community took part in the EcoHuertos Induction workshop.

The high-spirited group was enthusiastic with their questions, comments and desire to participate. They had the group dynamics to create a garden and were asking the right questions, such as: What is a garden? Why do we want one? What do we have and what do we need to create one? How should we organize ourselves so that it will be a sustainable garden?

As is the custom in our Induction Workshops, we gave every participant the “How to Make a School Garden” manual and explained its content and how to use it. We introduced ideas on various types of gardens that can be planted, what types of plants to cultivate and to take care of them, among other things.

Finally, they organized individual and group commitments among themselves on how to proceed in creating their school garden in the future.

October 19, 2013

April 22, 2013

March 20-21, 2013

March 18, 2013

January 28, 2013

January 18, 2013