Schools Microgrant Project Update
Photo courtesy of Joshua Lanzarini at unsplash.com
A new project for The GroundSwell Project this year is the Schools Microgrant project. This project aims to support schools who have an idea for a creative initiative that supports students to learn more about grief and loss.
COVID has presented some setbacks, but we’re pleased to say we’ve had a couple of schools join the project this year with some fantastic initiatives. Seeing schools under the huge challenges they’ve faced this year take action to better prepare students to support each other facing grief and loss gives us hope for the future.
Jannali Public School (NSW) have developed a project plan which involves facilitating discussions around the cycle of life, grief, loss and compassion through the Seasons for Growth program. They are looking to begin their program in Term 4. A great way to end this school year and we look forward to hearing more!
West Ulverstone Public School (TAS) have dived in deep with their project. They have been engaging students in hands-on learning through a gardening program, which demonstrates the stages of life.
There were some initial setbacks to their Planting Growth group, but they have forged ahead and it’s going really well. They have selected a small group of students to work on it and began the program talking about grief.They’re now planting individual pots with produce.
Here are some words from Jayne who is working with the group:
“The grief component has incorporated some craft activities, such as decorating boxes to then put in our hurts etc, which we will reopen and let go of in session 7, in the garden’s ‘Let Go Log’.”
“We have been down to the garden three times, which has been phenomenal! Such a great representation of the cycle of life and so many metaphors to draw from, and hands on learning around gardening. The students have fed the chicken, planted trees, dug out a big frog pond (to start our courage corner), started a worm farm, and been educated on each step of the journey. They are starting to connect more with each other and open up around their hurts, sadness and losses in life. It has been encouraging to see them connect the concept of sadness and loss, with growth and courage.”
As well as the focus on the garden Jayne has organised a little pack for each participant which includes a gratitude journal, pen, gardening gloves and some putty for regulation (to use if the conversation gets uncomfortable or they need to focus).
“For the final session we will be doing some cooking with produce grown (not necessarily by them, but produce from the garden they are working in). We purchased a food processor and electric frypan from Kmart to enable this process, and it will be the final ‘celebration’ session of the group.”
Photo courtesy of Rachel via unsplash.com
It’s so exciting to hear these reflections from West Ulverstone Public School school and word has spread in their community, they were recently presented with a local award recently in the Cradle Coast Kindness and Compassion Awards. It’s great to see their hard work being recognised in the local community and inspiring others.
We look forward to seeing what Jannali Public School does in Term 4 this year, and we’re excited to be able to offer this grant round again next year.
Working with children around grief, loss and compassion helps us create a more death literate society, full of humans who care and show kindness to all those around them.
How do you help facilitate these conversations with the young people in your life?
How are you supporting young people with conversations around COVID and community?
What will they learn from this time?
We look forward to sharing further progress on these school’s projects - and we welcome enquiries for the next round of microgrants in 2021.
Thanks to Dying to Live and the Documentary Australia Foundation who have supported this project.