GIY Needs You: GIY Calls on Supporters to Back €1 Million Ambition for Children to GROW at School
GIY wants to bring GROW at School to 1000 schools across Ireland.
At GIY, we are thrilled to announce our ambitious plan to raise €1 million for the implementation of our GROW at School program in primary schools across the country. GROW at School is a food education and mental health initiative designed to provide children with invaluable skills and knowledge while fostering their well-being. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our pilot program and the growing interest among schools and teachers have motivated us to expand our reach and make a lasting impact on children’s lives.
Successful Pilots and Oireachtas Recognition
Following the completion of our four year-long pilot projects across 32 schools in Ireland in June 2021, we witnessed first-hand the tremendous benefits of the GROW at School program. In recognition of its effectiveness, GIY made a submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, proposing the implementation and support of GROW at School as a national food growing program. Our CEO and founder, Michael Kelly, presented the program’s merits to the committee last autumn, emphasizing the inclusive nature of food growing and its positive impact on children’s overall development.
Addressing Mental Health and Curriculum Challenges
During the committee session, Mr. Kelly highlighted the critical role of non-academic activities, including physical education, drama, art, creative writing, and workshops. The current curriculum’s exam-centric focus leaves little room for these activities, which are essential for maintaining good mental health. The Oireachtas committee recognized the need for a comprehensive review of the primary and post-primary curriculum, recommending the inclusion of co-curricular programs such as GIY’s GROW at School.
Funding Challenges and Philanthropic Support
While we continue our efforts to secure government funding, we have already raised nearly €300,000 this year through the generous support of individuals, foundations, and corporate donors. With this funding, we are currently delivering GROW at School to 134 primary schools across Ireland. However, to achieve our vision of including an additional 500 schools in 2023 and a further 1,000 schools in 2024, we need to raise €1 million and €2 million, respectively.
The GROW at School Experience
The enthusiasm among schools for participating in the program is truly remarkable, with over 600 primary schools expressing interest in joining. Nell Ward, GIY’s Director of Development, highlights the transformative power of GROW at School, encompassing climate action, mental health, and education. The program not only provides practical knowledge about food and its sources but also promotes well-being and environmental awareness. Through hands-on activities, students gain valuable life skills and learn to make sustainable food choices.
Positive Feedback from Teachers
Teachers who have participated in the program have shared positive feedback, noting its significant impact on children. By teaching them about food and its origins, GROW at School empowers children to make informed choices about their diets as they grow up. Teachers have witnessed children’s excitement and surprise when they discover where different vegetables come from.
The Funding Challenge
To ensure the continued success of GROW at School, we need the support of local businesses and organizations. The cost of providing each participating school with the necessary resources, including four raised beds, soil, seeds, materials, teacher training, and ongoing support, amounts to €2,000. We invite Irish businesses to join us join us in leaving a legacy for a generation of primary school children by contacting growatschool@giy.ie.