Gardening is about more than food for young people learning English

A language school in Victoria, Australia is collaborating with health organizations to launch a garden program for young migrant students learning English. The garden, part of the science curriculum at Blackburn English Language School's Wodonga campus, aims to foster connections and provide a mental health break for students adjusting to life in a new country.

Albert Lotemo, a 16-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is particularly enthusiastic about the initiative. Having worked on farms in his home country, Albert is happy to engage in similar activities in Australia. He enjoys the hands-on experience and the sense of familiarity the garden provides, as it reminds him of his time in Zambia.

The garden is a joint effort between Blackburn English Language School and the youth mental health organization Headspace, under the local non-profit Gateway Health. The program is designed to help refugees overcome the challenges of living in a new country, including mental health issues, social isolation, and language barriers. Mental health experts note that refugees are at higher risk of poor mental health but are often hesitant to seek help due to various factors, including cultural stigma and language difficulties.

Ruby Huang, a cultural connections coordinator at Headspace, emphasizes the importance of gardening as a means for students to connect with their new community without relying solely on their English skills. The project also seeks to create a pathway for students to grow their own food and share it with their families, providing a tangible sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Science teacher Regina Glass notes that gardening offers cognitive respite for students overwhelmed by the demands of learning a new language. She highlights the refreshing break from classroom instruction, which can be mentally taxing for newcomers. Albert shares his aspirations for the future, envisioning a time when he can establish his own farm and continue working in the garden, a dream that the garden program at Blackburn English Language School is helping to nurture.