麻豆传媒

A unique horticultural skills training program at the Nova Institute for Women in Truro has been extended for an additional three years.

Delivered since 1997 through Extended Learning, Faculty of Agriculture, this program focuses on employable skills in the horticulture industry; areas such as landscape maintenance, pruning, propagation, nursery stock maintenance, customer service, small business and much more.

鈥淲e are proud to continue supporting this important program that not only teaches valuable horticultural skills but also nurtures personal growth and a sense of purpose,鈥� said Dr. Heather Bruce, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at 麻豆传媒. 鈥淭his initiative reflects our commitment to community engagement, education and the power of agriculture.鈥�

The program is made possible through a funding partnership with CORCAN, a special operating agency within Correctional Service of Canada, who offer employment and employability programs across the country. The Nova Institution for Women is a multi-level federal correctional facility for women, one of six across Canada.

Organic, sustainable growing practices are studied and implemented in all areas, and a larger community garden is currently in development with the intention of feeding fresh, organically grown harvests to the general inmate population. Classes on how to prepare the harvest are offered to further explore self-reliance and food security.

鈥淚 am so pleased about this renewal and that we are able to continue to offer this incredible program to inmates as they work on their correctional program for rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community,鈥� said facilitator Lindsay Jennings.聽 鈥淧lants offer an abundance of mental and physical health benefits, but the community and culture they create are just as important, especially in a penal institution.鈥�

Inmates spend much time and effort designing the vegetable gardens and planning out landscape plantings within the Institution. In the fall of 2023, over 200 bulbs were planted throughout the grounds.

Giving back to the community

Connecting with and giving back to the outside community is another important aspect of rehabilitation. The Colchester Food Network approached the program last summer and a partnership was formed to help develop garden plans for their prospective community learning garden.

鈥淚t is the hope of many that once released, past members of the program will be able to share and contribute what they have learned with others, volunteering and helping in this community garden, giving back and growing,鈥� added Jennings

The program offers so much more than hands-on horticulture skills training. While the inmates do indeed complete course certificates to earn recognition for their efforts and learning, what they gain alongside that is invaluable.

鈥淟indsay creates an environment that is good for the mind and soul so being in the program was good for my mental well-being,鈥� explained one program participant. 鈥淚 also learned I can grow my own veggies and care for my own houseplants and that I am good at it. Someday, I hope to help with a community garden to help others feed themselves,鈥� she added.