Some Exciting Spring Activities

Kindergarten Garden

by Sarah Choy (AZ 4)

In late winter I planted celery, carrot, lettuce and bean seeds in old NIDO cans and plastic water bottles. I then started planning a few lessons involving organic gardening with the local preschool I work with for my art enrichment program.

I cut up several plastic bottles for potters, bought beans from the bazaar, collected some dirt from the school yard and helped the children plant their own beans. I instructed them to watering their beans every other day and the amount of water that would be enough for the plant. We placed our potters on the window sill to get optimum sun exposure essential for healthy growth.

I told them that we will be growing our beans naturally and without any grown boosting agents. I then spoke to them about the importance of worms in creating good soil for our future garden. I later informed them that when our beans get big enough we will be able to transplant them into a garden I planned to build.

After 2 weeks the children’s beans weren’t showing any signs of growth. However the beans I had potted were about 3 inches high. But, I had faith that their beans would grow eventually. After our drawing lesson on BUGS, I went out into the school yard with my shovel and started digging a spot for our bean garden. The school director came out, as well as several of IDPs living in the school yard, and watched me for a while then later ventured into conversation with me about what I was doing. I slowly explained to them that I was planning a garden for the children and that I was teaching them about the environment. They watched my site mate Mere and I dig our child size grave of a garden space, lug blocks and rocks we scouted around the preschool grounds to build a wall, and dig up worms to keep for composting whilst speaking about things I was unable understand.

After Novrus holiday I looked at the children’s beans and was happy to see that they all had sprouted. It was time to transplant our bean sprouts. I took the children outside and taught them to dig a hole deep enough to support the sprouts height and to cover the roots. Then I demonstrated how to transplant their bean sprouts. I topped off the garden with a sign I made listing all the children in my class, most of which I haven’t seen during the winter months, protected it with Scotch, tied it to some twigs and roof tile and stuck it into the garden. Everyone was all smiles and giggles when we were done.

Later that week I planted a row of carrots, celery and lettuce in the garden and made a spot for the worms that I’ve been feeding coffee grinds, egg shells and apple cores. The children have been designated responsibility and ownership for the care of our garden and I’m surprise at how well the bean sprouts are doing. But, we have yet to see any beans growing. Once that occurs we can pick them, along with the other veggies, and make organic salads in class. Yay!

Imishli’s Environment and Health Global Youth Service Day Project
by Amber Dismer (AZ 5)

Situation:
Pollution of the Araz River is a growing problem in Imishli, with residents dumping trash, food scraps, and plastics and metals in the canal feeding the river. The canal is a main water source for city animals (goats, cows, chickens, and sheep), crop irrigation for local residents, and is used as drinking, bathing, and cooking water in the winter when the pipes freeze. The Ministry of Ecology believes this is a major health problem for Imishli residents. Twelve students and two teachers from Imishli School numbers 1 and 5 became aware of the situation and wanted to motivate their peers to clean up the canal.
Response:
Imishli’s youth group of 6th and 8th form students led an Environment and Health project for Global Youth Service Day. The students involved are Leman Qarashlu and Necef Huseynov from school 5, Nergiz Aliyeva, Zamin Balakesheyev, Iftixar Talible, Tamerlan Akberov, Taciye Imanova, Ayten Seyfullazady, Aysel Farzaliyava, and Xezer Abbasov from school 1. Imishli youth met in January to discuss project ideas and in April almost every day for three weeks to plan the cleanup of the canal, concert celebration, and lunch. Youth volunteers met with representatives from Imishli’s ExCom, Ministry of Education, Tourism and Culture, Ecology, Youth and Sport, and Health, Local Municipality, Azerbaijan Rural Investment Project, Development 2006 Social Support Public Association, Finca, Imishli Sugar Factory, International Bank of Azerbaijan, Dalga, World Vision Azerbaijan, Capital Bank, and local newspapers to ask for support and participation.
Walt Disney, an American organization, awarded the project 410 manat. These funds are still in the process of being transferred; in the meantime, various kind store owners allowed youth to take project supplies on credit. Youth also utilized available community resources to implement the project. Fizuli Abiyev and Mehman Meheiyev, Development 2006 Social Support Public Association representatives and Metanat Humbatova, and English teacher from school 1, provided two trainings on how to plan a community project and provided professional connections within the community to establish trust. Nizami Halinov, Head of Imishli’s ExCom agreed to speak on behalf of the canal cleanup. Halinov volunteered to donate local media coverage and trash removal services. Hasil Tagiyev, Minister of Culture and Tourism, gave youth leaders free access to Imishli’s Concert Hall. Directors from Imishli Schools 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 allowed youth volunteers class time to inform and encourage their peers to participate.
Results:
On April 27th 160 people volunteered to clean the canal and 210 people attended the celebratory concert. Youth, adults, and businesses’ awareness of environmental and health problems will lead to a change in their behavior and future dialogues. Youth mobilized their community to volunteer! Volunteerism promotes community involvement and ownership without financial compensation. This is youth development at its core! Youth also developed active leadership, decision making, and communication skills. Imishli residents and organizations recognized the value of youth as active leaders in their community. Imishli’s Sugar Factory donated 150 manat for the design and production of environmental awareness signs that will be posted along the canal. Youth believe these actions are a positive step towards changing the community’s behavior and actions. Additionally, three organizations have shown interest in future youth development projects. This process inspired youth to continue their efforts in making Imishli’s community a better place to live!