Syrian refugees to learn tips and tricks for gardening in the south

A group of former refugees from Syria will take part in a workshop to learn more about local plants and gardening conditions, as they visit Otago Polytechnic’s campus gardens this week.

Up to 15 people will attend the workshop on Friday 10 June, which will demonstrate practical horticulture techniques for southern conditions and provide information about herbs and culinary plants, composting and beekeeping. The attendees will also be given some plants to take home to their own gardens.

The group will also tour the Polytechnic’s Living Campus, a collection of permaculture gardens in the heart of the Dunedin campus from which the public can gather vegetables and even plant and tend their own allotments.

“This is one way in which we at Otago Polytechnic can extend our heartfelt welcome to these new Dunedin residents,” explains English Language Centre Team Leader, Aaron Blaker. “We hope the attendees will acquire some helpful, practical information to assist them as they start to settle into life here.”

The workshop will be conducted by Horticulture Lecturer, Kim Thomas. As the refugees do not yet speak English, one of the Polytechnic’s Syrian students, May Taha, will interpret throughout the visit.

May is a Syria-qualified pharmacist undertaking English language study at Otago Polytechnic to enable her to gain equivalent accreditation here in New Zealand.

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