Over the years, Boodla has worked frequently with young people in various ways. Sometimes we are instructed to supervise young people on summer jobs. Sometimes we collaborate with youth recreation centres and other youth organizations.
When the dynamic is right, the feeling is that we exchange knowledge with each other rather than Boodla teaching gardening. We know very much about some things that young people often do not and their perspectives are different from ours. They are the ones supposed to take that knowledge and make it relevant in their lives. No matter where they go in life, what they work with or where they live, we want young people to have an understanding of ecosystems and that humans are part of the nature that surrounds us, without which we cannot exist.
Through our work with young people, we contribute to global goal 4.7, which by 2030 must ensure that all students gain the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. As well as goal 12.8 which will increase the public’s knowledge of sustainable lifestyles and by 2030 ensure that people everywhere have the information and awareness needed for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
We garden together and discuss the importance of cities’ green environments. We also create tailor-made courses that cover climate science, entrepreneurship and self-leadership. It all depends on what young people in that specific group are interested in.
Urban agriculture is a sound tool for discussing many different issues and giving young people insight into how to contribute to and positively influence their living environment.
