FortWhyte Alive gives youth skills to grow

Growing up my Aunty was a gardener. I have so many memories of spending time in her garden with her in Nigeria, where I grew up. She studied agricultural science in school and taught me about what to grow where we lived and how to grow it. It taught me responsibility and the skills I need to grow my own food, right now at the farm, and hopefully one day in my own garden.

My experience at FortWhyte Farms is helping change my life significantly; I don't sleep late anymore, I wake up early in the morning, make lunch and get ready for work. It really is a great place to be. The people here have made me feel so comfortable to be myself - I feel connected in ways I never thought I would have. Whenever I am here at the farm I just feel like I am at home because of how welcoming the people are. My attitude towards people has changed in a very positive way since I started working on the farm - I smile a lot, I engage myself in networking and I've grown from being uncomfortable in sharing circles and asking questions to being comfortable around everyone.

• FortWhyte Farms helps youth plant seeds of sustainability

One reason I've loved working at the farm is learning about what it really takes to grow good, healthy food. It makes me appreciate and value it more. When you know the value of food, then you make sure not to waste it and focus on food grown in a good way. Farmers work so hard, and without them there would be no food for us to eat - it's a job I have come to really respect.

Thinking back on my family's farm in Nigeria, it was really hard to grow food. Sometimes we wouldn't get enough rain or it would be too hot - because of the environment, the soil was often very dry with not enough nutrients. It was really hard work. Here at FortWhyte Farms the soil is well cared for and rich. It is a great environment for growing good food.

I am not an expert when it comes to gardens but what I would say to someone interested in starting their own garden is that they should get a good location with good soil, where there is enough sun and water. They should choose the right plants or seedlings for the soil and definitely plant seeds with care.

Spending time on the farm has also helped me think more about what we can do to help the environment. I've learned that something as simple as turning off the tap when we are not using them can actually make a difference.

Faith Jacob is a summer student at FortWhyte Alive. She will be attending her last year of high school in September. Faith loves animals and intendsto become a veterinarian.

One of the important fund-raisers of the year for FortWhyte Farms is the Harvest Dinner, an annual event that typically sees hundreds of supporters gather at the farm. CBC Manitoba has been a proud media sponsor of the event for the past few years.

As with last year, it's been re-imagined as Harvest at Home, an event that will be shared virtually with CBC Manitoba Radio Noon host Marjorie Dowhos.

Harvest at Home

When: Thursday, September 16, 2021

What: Take home meal kits to celebrate the harvest and support FortWhyte Alive

How: Meal kits will be delivered prior to September 16. They'll include a set of easy to follow recipe cards for a delicious meal.

Cost: Meal kit for two is $250 and includes beer and wine. Meal kit for one is $125 and includes beer.

Extras: A livestream program will include live music, special guests and a preview of an online auction.

For more information: www.fortwhyte.org