FBD and GIY Launch GROW at School Programme to Boost Student Learning

The GROW at School programme has been launched in partnership between FBD Insurance and GIY (Grow It Yourself), aiming to enhance garden-based learning across various schools in Ireland. This initiative will provide educational resources and vegetable gardens to schools in cities including Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Donegal, and Dublin.

The primary goal of GROW at School is to introduce children to the origins of food through hands-on gardening experiences. This not only helps cultivate knowledge about healthy eating but also fosters a deeper connection with nature. The programme combines practical gardening activities with classroom learning, allowing students to grasp where their food comes from while developing important skills that will last a lifetime.

During a visit to Our Lady’s National School in Dublin, David O’Hanlon, branch manager of FBD, witnessed the programme in action. Students enthusiastically displayed their thriving vegetable beds, sharing insights about their experiences in planting, harvesting, and maintaining healthy eating habits. Teachers noted the impact of GROW at School on various subjects, including science and well-being, demonstrating the programme’s ability to enliven the curriculum.

Michael Kelly, the founder of GIY, expressed gratitude for FBD’s support, which makes it possible for more schools to participate. He stated, “Each year, hundreds of schools nationwide apply to join GROW at School, but participation is only possible through philanthropic, corporate, or funding support.” Kelly emphasized the long-term benefits of the programme, which equips students with essential skills for growing and consuming their own food.

The partnership also presents a unique opportunity for organizations to engage in meaningful sustainability education. Tomás Ó Midheach, CEO of FBD Insurance, remarked on the importance of supporting local communities and promoting balanced diets from an early age. He pointed out that the programme fosters awareness of environmental issues, climate action, and biodiversity, teachings that children will carry with them throughout their lives.

GIY has employed surveys and feedback to measure the programme’s success in enhancing children’s connection to nature and improving their understanding of where food originates. The GROW at School initiative is funded through philanthropic support, and there is currently a waiting list of schools eager to join. GIY is actively seeking additional corporate and philanthropic partners to secure funding for more schools to participate.

For those interested in learning more about the GROW at School programme or for teachers wishing to get involved, further information can be found at https://giy.ie/programmes/grow-at-school/.