Recognition for Exceptional Achievements - Fruit orchards and thriving beehives: the most dramatic school gardens selected.
The International Gymnasium Meerane is famed for its vast school grounds that resemble a park, according to the ministry. The grounds feature a snack garden, fruit trees, a pond, and bee colonies for honey production. Students grab hold of the beeswax and transform it into candles and lip balm, which are sold at the school.
On Friday, Cultural Affairs Officer Wilfried Kühner honored the four winners of the 12th Saxon School Garden Competition with certificates, wall plaques, and prize money. In total, 64 schools took part, as stated. The main purpose of the competition is to provide students with hands-on experience in garden design. The competition kicked off back in May 2022.
Over the course of a tour to the gardens of the ten finalists, the regional winners and prize recipients were chosen, it was reported. The jury included school educators, landscape architects, representatives from the State Office for Education and Training, the Ministry of Culture, and the Nature and Environment Foundation.
Read also:
The International Gymnasium Meerane in Chemnitz, Saxony, is renowned for its extensive school grounds, which serve as a park-like oasis for students. Among these features are a snack garden, multiple fruit trees, a pond, and various bee colonies for honey production. With the beeswax, the students create handmade candles and lip balm, which are then sold within the school.
The 12th Saxon School Garden Competition recognized four standout schools with certificates, wall plaques, and prize money, following the participation of 64 schools in total. Known for instilling practical gardening experience in students, the competition was initiated back in May 2022.
The tour of the finalists' gardens, led by a jury comprised of school educators, landscape architects, representatives from the State Office for Education and Training, the Ministry of Culture, and the Nature and Environment Foundation, culminated in the selection of the regional winners and prize recipients.
The exceptional achievements of the school gardens in Chemnitz, Saxony, have not gone unnoticed, with the International Gymnasium Meerane and its impressive orchards showcasing the importance of integrating environmental education into everyday school life.
These children are not only becoming adept gardeners but also responsible stewards of the environment, fostering a sustainable and eco-conscious future. Their success in the competition, as well as the prize money they have received, will undoubtedly inspire more children to get their hands dirty and learn from the wonders of nature.
The surplus funds from the prize money can be allocated towards various other school initiatives, such as planting additional fruit trees, supporting local wildlife habitats, or even establishing a dedicated youth garden project. This, in turn, could spark further enthusiasm in horticulture and help to foster a love for nature among the next generation of young people in Chemnitz, Saxony.
Lastly, the bee colonies within the school garden not only contribute to honey production but also help in supporting local biodiversity, promoting the importance of preserving bee colonies and their contributions to ecosystems. This holistic approach to education integrates academic, practical, and social aspects, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful learning experience for the students.
