Volunteers
Volunteer of the Season,
Summer 2008: Molly Bryant
"Global Gardens far exceeded my expectations this summer. I was astounded by the depth of education that the teachers and volunteers provide the students through the outlet of gardening. Environmental sustainability, human rights and the importance of community development were addressed with the students who grasped the concepts wholeheartedly and who now have a foundation to develop into active, engaged citizens of the world.
In May and June, I lived in Amedzofe, a small village in Ghana, West Africa where farming is the primary source of income. Miss Howard's 5th grade class exchanged hand-written letters and pictures with a local primary school in the village. The Eugene Field students were interested in the plants that were grown in Ghana, and the students in Ghana were more than willing to share about their family farms. By establishing communication with students in Africa, the children from Global Gardens have an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of their new African friends.
Overall, I feel extremely honored to be a part of such an organization as Global Gardens. To have the opportunity to be out in the sun planting flowers and learning about life with students who are craving education and global awareness is almost overwhelming. Thank you, Global Gardens!" - Molly
Volunteer of the Season,
Spring 2008: Mr. Mike
Flowers to bloomtrees to grow
You are like them
for giving us life
Sleep in the morning
work for the rest
You saved the world
by helping just us
-Crystal, 4th grade
Volunteer of the Season,
Fall 2007: Jan Bowlin
"Late last spring I learned about the Global Gardens program at Eugene Field Elementary and immediately signed up as a volunteer. Since I love to garden and planned to volunteer as a mentor, it was the perfect combination of both. What I didn't know at the time was how much I would come to love working with these children! The students are excited and enthusiastic about their gardens, eager to learn, and proud of their accomplishments, which makes it all very worthwhile. I work with the students participating in the after-school program and our time is never long enough! Global Gardens is providing these children with life lessons, not just gardening, and I feel truly blessed to be involved in it." - Jan
