Students attending Gozo College Agius de Soldanis Middle School have been engaged in an innovative and inspiring initiative during the 2024–2025 scholastic year. The Sow, Grow, Unite Community Garden project was established through the enthusiasm and commitment of the EkoSkola Committee and the GLOBE science and environmental program. The Community Garden, the first of its kind in the Maltese Islands, is the result of a successful collaboration between the school and Gozo General Hospital within the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing.
Located in front of St Anna Residence at the Gozo General Hospital, the community garden serves as a unique outdoor classroom where students, educators, parents, the elderly and hospital staff come together to share knowledge, grow food and build community bonds.
This intergenerational and intercultural initiative promotes hands-on, cross-curricular STEAM learning while supporting biodiversity, eco-friendly gardening practices and community engagement. No pesticides are used; composting, mulching, and water conservation are integral practices. Access to the garden is encouraged via walking or cycling to reduce its carbon footprint.
The garden supports the cultivation of local and seasonal produce, providing an opportunity for families to grow their crops while promoting healthy lifestyles. Students also gain firsthand experience in nurturing plants and observing pollinators, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Some of the harvested produce was even used by students to cook and enjoy healthy meals together at school, turning their gardening efforts into a rewarding soil-to-fork experience.
The initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals of which:
* SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
* SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
* SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
* SDG 13 – Climate Action
* SDG 15 – Life on Land
Inspired by the fresh produce harvested from the community garden, a recipe book Fil-Ġnien man-Nanna in Autumn & Winter, was published. The book features easy-to-prepare, nutritious recipes that use local and seasonal ingredients. Copies are available from the school in English or Maltese.
Watch the journey of the community garden in this short video: https://youtu.be/ugBZkeJum24
