Kids growing up as they grow vegetables on city farms in Cleveland Botanical Garden program

Posted August 02, 2011 in Articles

Author: Leona Johnson, Plain Dealer Reporter

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Teenagers farming in the heart of Cleveland are growing up themselves in the process. The students, ages 14 to 18, help transform neighborhoods through urban gardening while developing individuality, self-esteem and confidence. More than 60 high school students are working for minimum wage this summer at six learning farms operated by the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The students stay in their own communities, making it easy for them to walk to work and improve their neighborhoods. Joi Green, a second-year participant, said the job has done a lot to get her to come out of her shell. "I didn't talk. I learned to communicate with others," said Joi Green, 17, who works at Buckeye Learning Farm at 11305 Woodland Ave. "I was always a hard worker, but now I am willing to give tours and answer questions," she said with work gloves on, ready to move a wheelbarrow she had loaded with damp mulch. The Green Corps work-study program started mostly in vacant lots around the city.

Original Article: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/08/students_are_growing_up_as_the.html