Colleagues at an Irvine school are growing grapes and tangerines with help from pupils – and a talented parent.
Children and staff at Elderbank Primary, Irvine, have teamed up with dad Yousif Al Ahmed to create a garden inside a polytunnel.
The growing area was created a few years ago through the Pupil Equity Fund and it has gone from strength to strength.
Headteacher Jacqueline Robertson said: “Most people are quite surprised – in a good way – to hear that we are growing unusual fruits like grapes and tangerines on our grounds in Irvine.
“When you mention this, people are interested because you usually only hear about things like carrots and tomatoes being grown through projects like ours.
“It has been fantastic, and we couldn’t have managed without Yousif and – of course – our very keen and curious pupils.”
The polytunnel gardens was developed by Yousif with support from the children, and they have been growing produce and then using it within the school to cook.
Pupils have learned how to grow their own produce and have seen the whole process – from seed to plate.
“Most people are quite surprised – in a good way – to hear that we are growing unusual fruits like grapes and tangerines on our grounds in Irvine. When you mention this, people are interested because you usually only hear about things like carrots and tomatoes being grown through projects like ours. It has been fantastic, and we couldn’t have managed without Yousif and – of course – our very keen and curious pupils.”Headteacher of Elderbank Primary, Jacqueline Robertson
Four of Yousif’s five children have been, or currently are, pupils at the school and he got involved in the growing project last year.
He has grown, among other things, chillies, tangerines, white grapes, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, spinach and cucumbers.
Earlier this year, Yousif picked up an Adult Volunteer Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution from The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT) thanks to the work he has put in at Elderbank.
He was nominated, along with other New Scots, for a TACT award by the Council’s ESOL and New Scots team.
Community Development (ESOL) Worker Calum Paul added: “We were honoured to nominate Yousif for the award, and we were delighted for him when he won. He is doing an impressive job at the school in partnership with the pupils and staff.”
Pupils Cody Lee (10) and Charlie (11) are among children who enjoy rolling their sleeves up, getting their hands dirty and growing produce in the polytunnel.
Cody Lee said: “We love growing pumpkins, apples and oranges in the garden” while Charlie said his nan’s love of gardening inspired him to get involved.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) became part of Scots law earlier this year, highlighting that everyone has an ongoing responsibility to protect the rights of our children.
The Council follows and respects the UNCRC to ensure that all children’s rights are respected and that they are free to learn, play and develop.
Children are learning about these rights in school and Article 24 of the Convention highlights that they have the right to healthy food – and Elderbank Primary’s growing project is a fine example of this.
You can see the full list of UNCRC articles here in a user-friendly graphic.