09/06/2017
How often have you heard of suffering somewhere in the world and longed to be able to help? This longing is often greater knowing that our students might be able to use their French language skills to overcome a communication barrier. This year, our SHF chapter was able to join forces with other clubs and community organizations to create what we call our International Garden. In collaboration with the Central High School Botanical Society, CHS French Club, Springfield Welcome Home, the French Service-Learning course at Missouri State University, and community members, we were able to create several large raised garden beds where refugee families can cultivate fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from spring through late fall. This project was funded by our principal, Dr. Lisa Anderson, in addition to club donations.
Building a community garden was something Paul Epps and Brandi Mendenall, co-sponsors of the CHS Botanical Society, as well as Laura Durnin and Jeff Loughary, co-sponsors of the CHS French Club/SHF wanted to do at the high school. It became a real collaborative project when we were contacted by Dr. Tonia Tinsley, Associate Professor of French at Missouri State University. She and students in her French Service-Learning course worked closely with Laura Nickle, a representative of the Springfield Welcome Home organization, to find a place for refugee families in our area to start a garden. Most of these families do not have space for a garden at their apartments and since public transportation can be difficult, a nearby sunny area with access to water was necessary. A large area near the student parking lot was selected to create raised garden beds which connect existing garden spaces around the high school campus. The raised beds were built by high school and university students as well as other community members. French students enjoyed the opportunity to meet French-speakers during our work days. The garden spaces are now in full bloom and the families that use them are able to grow what they like. This project will most certainly develop into even more community partnerships. More information about the Springfield Welcome Home organization can be found at their website: https://www.springfieldwelcomehome.com/
Jeffrey L Loughary
SHF CHAPTER 2241
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
The American Association of Teachers of French
L'Ein Journal
