Ruakākā School, part 2: A decade of growth with T&G
It's a momentous occasion, as we celebrate our 10th anniversary of T&G supporting Garden to Table Trust.
Over the past decade, T&G has been instrumental in transforming students' lives in Aotearoa, through Garden to Table.
To celebrate, we’re sharing stories from within Ruakākā School. These stories highlight the positive impact that the programme has had on students, their families, and the communities they live in.
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Ruakākā School is a shining example of all that Garden to Table stands for. For the past 8 years, they have run a thriving programme for Year 5 and 6 students. They are now a Model School, which means they showcase thriving, embedded, and sustainable Garden to Table programmes, and provide a pathway of inspiration for new schools.
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Te Tai Tokerau - Northland
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2015
When we chatted with Sarah (the Garden Specialist at Ruakākā School), we were reminded of how powerful the simple moments can be.
For Sarah, it’s these moments that mean the most - and she was reminded of this recently, when her students embarked on a special journey to plant and harvest kūmara for Matariki.
“Seeing the kids lift the kumara up, the pure surprise - even though they knew they were getting kūmara, they were so surprised and delighted. There have been so many memorable moments - but it’s the sheer wonder that I love. As adults, we know the process - but they just have so much wonder.”
The inclusivity is another part of Garden to Table that stands out for Sarah.
“The thing I enjoy about Garden to Table is that it is incredibly inclusive. You can just be you and can succeed in each session.”
Sarah has seen this first-hand, and has a heartwarming story about a special needs student she works with, that really brings this idea to life.
One day, when the student’s Mum went to the bathroom, she heard her daughter banging around in the kitchen. When she came out, she saw that her daughter (who has someone with her at all times) had gotten out a chopping board, a courgette, and a knife.
Already, the daughter had sliced up the courgette, and put it in a frying pan on the stove in the kitchen. She had yet to turn the stove on.
Together, the pair cooked and ate the meal - leaving the Mum brimming with pride over the fact her daughter had made something by herself.
“It's remarkable how much confidence and independence Garden to Table can instil in students”, Sarah says.
But, Sarah’s connection with Garden to Table goes even deeper than her role as a Specialist.
Her son, who is now in college, participated in Ruakākā’s Garden to Table when he was in school.
“In Garden to Table, he learnt how to chop - he brought that home, and taught us all how to chop fine. Before, he was selective with what he eats - now he eats all sorts! Garden to Table was a big part of that - because the students cook such a variety.”
Sarah has seen the long-lasting effects of Garden to Table play out through her son.
“The flow-on effect is amazing”, she tells us.
Her son is the only student in his cooking group that participated in Garden to Table - which has meant he’s been able to teach his fellow students some of the skills and knowledge that he picked up on.
“He talks about how lucky he was to do Garden to Table, because it gave him so many tools.”
When asked what she sees for Garden to Table's future, Sarah said, "Garden to Table has no limitations”.
“Being outdoors and in the fresh air helps with wellbeing. The movement of cooking can reduce anxiety and stress. It creates collaboration and teamwork. If grandparents get involved, it enables them to pass on their knowledge to kids and helps the older generation keep young and reduce loneliness. The results are endless for something so simple as gardening and cooking.”
Sarah expressed her gratitude for what Garden to Table has done for her son, and how it has instilled a love of food and cooking. The program has a remarkable impact on students and their families - promoting inclusivity, teamwork, and wellbeing. The future of Garden to Table is limitless, and its results are endless. It is a programme that every school should incorporate into their curriculum.
Thank you so much to T&G for making this impact possible.
As a partner to Garden to Table, T&G demonstrates what a difference a values-aligned and committed relationship can achieve. Their support has ultimately enabled us to grow from delivering our food education programme in just 21 schools in 2013 (when our partnership began), to 300 schools across Aotearoa today.