High school students at the Al “Tambua” Moody Academy in Paterson can now use their new school garden, Kimaada Garden, to learn about food, nature, and the environment, thanks to City Green’s “School Grounds” Program.
City Green, a nonprofit urban farming and gardening organization based in Clifton, NJ, partnered with the Al Moody Academy to begin construction of Kimaada Garden this spring, and students across the school were given the opportunity to lend a hand in creating this new outdoor space.
“Our mission as a Full Service Community School is to create opportunities for our students to take ownership over their learning that goes beyond the classroom,” Claudia Walker, Al Moody’s Full Service Community School Coordinator shared. “I believe gardening is another life skill and therapeutic outlet that we can utilize to educate and support the physical and mental health of our students. Planting fruits and vegetables is a process that we know takes time and can´t be rushed, therefore our garden has become a daily reminder of the potential and growth our students show every day”
The Al Moody Academy (formerly known as The Paterson Alternative High School) is a nontraditional school setting for students who have overcome social, emotional, and academic obstacles throughout their school careers. The overall mission of Great Falls Academy is to meet students' academic needs while providing them with special assistance in developing responsible patterns of behavior in a safe, disciplined environment.
Kimaada Garden features 7 raised beds and a rain barrel that will be used to grow fruits and vegetables and host a variety of educational programs for students in grades 9-12.
City Green’s “School Grounds” program provides schools across New Jersey with the opportunity to create gardens and outdoor classrooms that enhance academic achievement across disciplines and engage students in hands-on experiential learning. All of City Green’s School Grounds partners receive a custom-built garden, teacher training, garden curriculum, and ongoing support and technical assistance.
City Green is a 501(c)3 urban farming and gardening organization, based in Clifton, New Jersey working to revitalize urban areas through agriculture and educational programming. It offers practical, technical, and financial resources in support of environmental stewardship, equitable access to healthy food, and ecologically sustainable communities. For more information contact Jasmine Moreano, Director of Community Engagement and Advocacy, or visit www.citygreenonline.org.