6/14/07

Project Hope teaches students agriculture and character building
By Konstantin Vengerowsky

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY/Manning Times

Fourth grade students listen intently as Instructional Facilitator Thomas Ferguson explains how their efforts helped to produce the squash they were harvesting.

From picking, maintaining and harvesting crops, to using math to measure distances for water supplies, to writing nature haiku poetry, as well as learning the basics of organic gardening and recycling, students at Scott’s Branch Intermediate School are getting valuable hands-on education through their Hope Garden.

With its start in February of this year, Project Hope has already gained success in its outreach to students at the Summerton school. The program was spearheaded by Bernard Richburg, board member of Clarendon School District 1, Thomas Ferguson, Instructional Facilitator at SBIS and Scott’s Branch High School, as well as Reid Evans, instructor of agriculture at Scott’s Branch High School.

“The main goal of this project is to get children involved in the agricultural side of the curriculum,” stated Richburg. “Teaching them to become community members through practical application is another important aspect.”

There are many benefits that students can get out of this experience.

“Our number one objective is to utilize project-based learning methodology to improve student learning,” said Ferguson.

He mentioned the many positive things that the project brings.

“It teaches children the value of education and caring for others.”

According to the Project Hope brochure, the endeavor utilizes a real world application of South Carolina curriculum standards through hands-on learning techniques in an outdoor environment. All of the produce that is grown in the garden is distributed to needy local residents. It also serves as a foundation for student personal growth through character education.

“It is cooperative in nature,” stated Ferguson. “Students work together in planting, maintaining and harvesting the crops.”

There are many agricultural lessons involved with the garden. “We teach environmental stewardship, as well as the importance of conservation and natural resources,” Ferguson stated. “It is completely an organic garden, we use composts for fertilizers.”

There are 15-20 students working on the garden, ranging from grades 4-8.

“My teacher told me about the garden and I started helping Mr. Ferguson during recess,” said Khalil Jones, one of the fourth graders involved in the project.

Another student, Maleak Dorsey, came out with his class one day to help out with the garden and has been involved ever since. “I just love planting the vegetables and picking them,” he stated.

Students gained valuable life lessons by participating in the different activities associated with Project Hope.

“I learned that vegetables are good for our bones,” said Rochelle Jadotte.

“I learned how I can help in providing for the community,” added Ricky Jackson.