DR Environmental Film Festival Bring School Vegetable Garden Initiative to the Loyola and Calazans Schools in Santo Domingo

New York, April 16, 2012

GFDD’s Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) brought its School Vegetable Initiative to the students at the Loyola School and the Calazans School in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on April 16 and April 20 respectively.  Students had the opportunity to become more familiar with organic vegetable cultivation and the ecosystem services of soils.

The 11th grade class got their hands dirty planting fast growing plants – lettuce, radishes, spinach and herbs.

The School Vegetable Garden initiative seeks to supplement middle and high school curriculums in the following ways: 1) strengthen Natural Science curriculums through inclusion of experimental activities; 2) teach students about how recycled organic matter can serve as organic fertilizer; 3) create awareness of the importance of a balanced diet; 4) create a how-to manual on school vegetable gardens; and 5) offer students a space for recreation, relaxation and physical activity.

The impetus behind the initiative arose from the interest sparked among students participating in talks, panels and workshops conducted by Rose Lord during the I Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival. Rose Lord represents the Make Gardens Not War, an initiative of the Global Coalition for Peace, which seeks to encourage the creation of vegetable gardens around the world.

About DREFF

The School Vegetable Gardens initiative is reflective of DREFF’s overall mission to interact with leading figures in the environmental community and to make a difference. The Festival aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of environmental issues among Dominican audiences. At the same time, DREFF celebrates the beauty and diversity of the Dominican Republic’s natural heritage and offers insights intended to contribute to its appreciation, conservation and sustainable use.

About GFDD’s Environmental Programs

Through the organization of conferences, workshops and film screenings and the creation of online and print publications, GFDD works to promote environmental protection, conservation and sustainability. The Foundation’s environmental initiatives heighten awareness of pressing issues and promote respect for biodiversity, natural resources and ecosystem services. These projects aspire to encourage citizens of the Dominican Republic and citizens of the world to adopt practices that will positively contribute to the sustainability and health of the natural environment.

Related link:

http://www.makegardensnotwar.com/intro.htm
http://drenvironmentalfilmfestival.org
http://www.colegiocalasanz.edu.do/