August 2024

On the 16th of August, it was time for us to head back to Sofia’s summerhouse and see if our hard work had paid off. Upon arrival, we immediately noticed that our plants had indeed flourished—the garden was packed full of green and colorful produce. We divided into groups and got to work harvesting, washing, and preparing various vegetables and herbs: carrots, beetroots, beans, zucchini, fennel, kale, and even potatoes. In the end, we enjoyed Pho soup made with our own ingredients. We had planned to gather mushrooms in the forest, but instead, we spent our time laughing around the dinner table. Fortunately, Sofia already had some mushrooms, so we could still make a mushroom pie. The next day, Saturday the 17th, we met at school to cook some more. To start the day, we enjoyed the mushroom pie and then decided that we definitely didn’t have enough food yet, so we went to gather apples from Sofia’s home yard. One particular ‘apple’ was rather furry and heavy, and his name was Timo. He seemed to enjoy being petted, though. With the apples, we made apple juice, apple crumble, and everyone got to take home a bag of apples. Back at school, we split into groups and got to work. I was assigned to make the zucchini soup with fennel. We also made kale and sage chips, which were exquisite. Actually, everything we made was incredibly delicious, and what made it even better was that we grew most of the ingredients ourselves. This course has been awesome and so educational. I once again thank everyone involved with this project, especially Elina and the other students. The biggest thanks go to Sofia for being so active and generously giving others the opportunity to learn in so many ways. -Kaari from Kalevan Lukio, Finland

We are thrilled to announce the publication of our new handbook, “Growing Green Communities: Empowering Youth for a More Sustainable Future.” This comprehensive resource is designed to equip educators, community leaders, and young changemakers with the tools and strategies necessary to foster sustainable practices and inspire green initiatives within their communities. What’s Inside? The handbook is divided into several key sections that guide readers through a variety of methods and practical activities: Approach and Methodologies: Explore innovative approaches like Human-Centered Design, Design Thinking, and Experiential Learning that are essential for growing green communities. Training Toolkit: Delve into tools and strategies for environmental mapping, social marketing, and community organizing. Highlights include:– Foodscaping: Techniques for mapping your environment.– Strategies for Change: Learn the elements of social marketing to plan campaigns that make your community greener.– Community Creation Canvas: A framework for community organizing and co-design. Experiential Learning Activities: Engage young people with hands-on workshops that include gardening, foraging, cooking, and creating carbon-smart garden beds. Workshop Materials: Access all the necessary materials to implement these activities. Who is This For? This handbook is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about sustainability and community building, particularly those working with youth. Whether you are an educator, a community leader, or a young activist, this guide offers practical steps to make a tangible impact in your community. We invite you to explore this handbook and join us in our mission to empower the next generation of environmental stewards. Together, we can create greener, healthier, and more resilient communities for a sustainable future! Download Handbook