Program Description: Gardening, Food Knowledge, and Cultural Food Preparation for Personal Growth & Community Connection
The Gardening, Food Knowledge, and Cultural Food Preparation Program at Ediblescapes is designed to promote personal development, community connection, and cultural exchange through hands-on learning about sustainable gardening and food traditions. The program targets adults of all ages and backgrounds, offering an immersive experience in cultivating food, learning sustainable gardening practices, and sharing cultural food preparation methods.
Participants will explore the full cycle of food—from seed to harvest to table—while engaging in communal activities that celebrate diversity and strengthen community bonds. Through this program, individuals will gain valuable knowledge about agroecology, personal health, and sustainability while building relationships with others in the community.
Program Objectives:
- Sustainable Gardening: Teach adults how to grow their own food using agroecological and permaculture methods, focusing on the principles of sustainability and organic farming.
- Food Knowledge & Preparation: Offer workshops on how to harvest, preserve, and prepare fresh produce, with a focus on the cultural traditions that surround food in different communities.
- Cultural Exchange: Foster intercultural learning by encouraging participants to share their own cultural food practices, creating a rich environment for community learning and exchange.
- Personal Development: Provide opportunities for participants to engage in hands-on activities that promote self-reliance, personal growth, and holistic well-being.
- Community Building: Facilitate a welcoming space where individuals can connect with each other, share experiences, and work together toward common goals of sustainability and food security.
Job Description: Agroecology and Cultural Culinary Arts Facilitator
Location: Ediblescapes Agroforestry Garden
Commitment: Part-time (5-10 hours per week)
Reports to: Program Manager / Education Coordinator
Role Overview
The Agroecology and Cultural Culinary Arts Facilitator is a volunteer or part-time role responsible for facilitating educational programs that empower adults to develop skills in gardening, food knowledge, and cultural food preparation. This role combines hands-on instruction in sustainable gardening with workshops on food preservation, cooking, and cultural food traditions. The goal is to foster personal growth, increase food security, and strengthen community connections through shared learning experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Facilitation:
- Lead educational workshops and hands-on sessions that teach adults how to cultivate and maintain a garden using sustainable agroecological methods.
- Conduct classes on harvesting, food preservation (e.g., pickling, fermenting), and seasonal cooking with fresh, garden-grown ingredients.
- Facilitate cultural exchange workshops where participants can share their own food traditions, showcasing the cultural diversity within the community.
- Curriculum Development:
- Develop and implement a curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including organic gardening, seasonal planting, composting, and water conservation.
- Incorporate cultural food knowledge into the program by collaborating with participants from different backgrounds to highlight diverse food traditions.
- Adapt lessons and activities to suit different learning styles and the varying experience levels of participants.
- Community Engagement:
- Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their own cultural practices and personal experiences.
- Facilitate group discussions and collaborative activities that encourage community-building and personal connection.
- Encourage participants to take ownership of the gardening and food preparation process, promoting self-reliance and empowerment.
- Mentorship & Personal Growth:
- Provide ongoing support and mentorship to participants, helping them apply their knowledge in their own lives and gardens.
- Encourage personal growth by integrating wellness, mindfulness, and holistic living principles into gardening and food preparation activities.
- Event & Workshop Coordination:
- Help organise and promote community events, such as communal cooking days, harvest festivals, and cultural food celebrations.
- Assist with the logistical setup of workshops, including preparing materials, tools, and resources needed for successful sessions.
- Outreach & Promotion:
- Work with the Ediblescapes team to promote programs through social media, newsletters, and local community channels to ensure strong community participation.
- Assist in the recruitment of program participants, targeting individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds to build a dynamic and inclusive community.
Skills & Experience
- Gardening & Food Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of sustainable gardening practices, agroecology, or permaculture, with the ability to teach these concepts to adults.
- Knowledge of food preparation, preservation techniques, and cultural culinary traditions is a key asset.
- Teaching & Facilitation:
- Experience in teaching, facilitating workshops, or leading community education programs, especially with adults.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear, engaging, and inclusive way that is accessible to people from all backgrounds.
- Cultural Awareness & Inclusivity:
- An appreciation for cultural diversity and the ability to create an inclusive environment where all participants feel valued and respected.
- Experience in promoting intercultural exchange and understanding, particularly around food and cultural traditions.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills:
- Ability to engage with and motivate participants, fostering a positive, collaborative learning atmosphere.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for interaction with participants, team members, and the wider community.
- Organisational Skills:
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, plan workshops, and coordinate activities efficiently.
- Comfortable managing the logistics of educational sessions, including setup, materials, and participant coordination.
Benefits of Volunteering or Working in this Role
- Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in sustainable gardening, food preparation, and cultural facilitation.
- Community Connection: Build relationships within the community while contributing to a project that promotes sustainability, health, and food security.
- Cultural Exchange: Engage in rich cultural learning and exchange by working with participants from diverse backgrounds.
- Personal Growth: Develop your leadership, teaching, and facilitation skills while promoting wellness and holistic living.
Time Commitment
This position is part-time, requiring approximately 5-10 hours per week, depending on the frequency of workshops and events. Flexibility is available to suit the needs of the facilitator and program schedule.