Design and construction of a pond

This was design and constructed by Mini – Scope Home Gardens using the ideas we had. By July 2003 the pond was ready and stocked with living things. Presently, staff and students are involved in the beautification and maintenance of it. Flowers have been planted around the edge and cleaning and caring are ongoing process.

A steering committee is in place to help with the project. The members include lecturers, students, a member of the Friend of Shortwood, a member of the Hope Botanical Gardens, and a gardener. An internal committee was also formed which has now merged with the committee on campus dealing with Environmental Education for Sustainable Development Strategy Management.

Establishing a compost site

The compost site was constructed in April 2003 and immediately operations started. Materials for composting that had been stocked-piled were moved into the site. These included plant cuttings, dead leaves and plant refuse from the college kitchen. In July an irrigation system was put in place so that the site could be easily kept moist.

The first set of the materials placed in the site were ready for harvesting in September, but it was decided against since it was believed that it would enhance the decomposition of new materials. The next set materials should be ready for harvesting in November.

About Ten students are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the project. They have the responsibility for keeping the site moist, turning the materials and decorating the area around the site. These they do with much zeal and curiosity. Two ‘workdays' were planned and more students were encouraged to work on the project. A member of the Inter-American Institute for Corporation on Agriculture (IICA), Mr. Annekie has been working with the team as the technical person. He introduced the Vermi-composting technology using the California Red Worms. Studies shown that these worms increase the rate of decomposition. He contributed a few of the worms and promised to supply more.

The immediate plan for the compost is for it to be used as fertilizer for the plants on campus. Discussions are in progress to start a vegetable garden. The site is part of the college “Nature Trail” and is therefore one of the points of interest for educational tours. Plans are now progress to design learning activities for children visiting the site.

Other plans

I  We have decided to label the most common trees on campus and ones along the trail.

II  In-servicing component

A brochure about the nature trail was designed. This will be sent out to various schools in the community along with invitation from the college, re workshops and tours. We are planning to have weekly tours along the trail and monthly workshops on infusion of EESD in early childhood areas. Our first workshop will be in February 6, 2004.