A Newry-based educational hub is giving people the chance to gain hands-on experience and learn about the benefits of growing their own food thanks to funding from Power NI.
Northern Ireland’s leading energy provider has donated one thousand pounds to help the volunteers at Moneydarragh Community Hub deliver a 15-week horticulture programme.
Awarded through Power NI’s Brighter Communities initiative, the programme will target those aged 12- to 18-years-old, and allow them to develop personal skills and improve their confidence levels while also creating opportunities for them in the local community.
Overseen by a qualified Horticultural Facilitator from Southern Regional College (SRC) – and supported by AccessNI vetted gardeners – the weekend course is going to set out the different ways to grow flowers, fruit, and vegetables in both an indoor and outdoor setting.
Young people attending the Moneydarragh Community Hub initiative will get to see their work from seed through to harvest, with vegetables grown during the programme being used in the Hub’s Youth Café – a space that promotes social enterprise skills – while floral produce will support flower-arranging classes for older members of the community.
This cultural approach is set to give participants a better appreciation of the value of their work, while also helping to foster and build self-confidence, and help them to develop a positive, can-do mindset, according to Moneydarragh Community Hub.
Participants will receive individual certificates upon completion of the course in the hope this will inspire then to progress into further education, including certified horticulture courses at regional colleges or the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise. Additional funds will be generated through produce sales and fundraising, helping young people learn how to cost and value their efforts.
Ashleigh O’Neill – the Senior Marketing and Communications Executive at Power NI – said: “The Moneydarragh Community Hub project is a fantastic example of how practical skills can open doors for young people.
By supporting this initiative through our Brighter Communities programme, we are helping young people gain confidence, learn valuable life skills, and see the real impact of their hard work,” added Ashleigh.
Find out more on how Power NI is energising local communities.
