A moment of achievement for 21-year-old Chloe Love (above), the first graduate of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (Caley) Grow and Learn Programme, as she accepts her certificate and lapel pin from President David Knott on Monday, January 14.
At the presentation in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Botanic Cottage, Chloe expressed her desire to mentor other young people in the experience of training in horticulture.
The aim of Grow and Learn is to recognise individual progress and achievement through experiential learning and personal development. The award offers the individual a structured framework but is also flexible enough to ensure a person-centred approach. It is ideally suited to individuals who, for a variety of reasons, may find more formal education challenging.
Chloe, from West Lothian, became involved after visiting the Garden with TEENS+ an Edinburgh-based, fulltime transitional education project for young adults aged 17 years to 20 plus. Four the last four years, the group’s focus has been on working on the Edible Gardening Project, funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Grow and Learn Development Officer Jean Gavin explained: “This flagship education programme is delivered in collaboration with organisations Scotland-wide, from local authorities and NHS trusts to social care organisations, therapeutic gardening groups and training centres. It aims to address a large gap in the world of horticulture by offering alternative learning opportunities and it also enables people to develop important life skills such as confidence, resilience and self-esteem. Participant numbers are growing steadily each year, tangible proof that Grow and Learn can and does make a positive impact in transforming lives.”
The award is open to anyone over the age of 13, with little or no practical horticultural or gardening experience. More information can be found here