In a heartwarming initiative, 18 children aged 12 to 18 years who are survivors of violence at the Campus of Hope shelter have formed a Gardening Club. 

The club comprises 14 girls and four boys and operates under the supervision of the Samoa Victim Support Group. This inspiring initiative is part of the Farm-to-Table Gardening and Cooking Project. This program has been made possible through the World Health Organisation's Healthy Islands Best Proposal grant awarded to SVSG in 2023. 

The project aims to empower the children with essential skills in gardening and cooking, instilling in them a passion for healthy living and sustainability. The Gardening Club's activities are structured into three modules. 

In Module 1, the members received training in Sustainable Gardening, gaining knowledge on growing vegetables and embracing eco-friendly practices. Subsequently, in Module 2, the young chefs delved into healthy cooking and vegetable preparation, mastering the art of creating nutritious dishes such as fruit salads. 

Finally, they tested their skills in Module 3 through Healthy Cooking - Cooking and Food Presentation, learning to prepare and present delicious and healthy meals. Moreover, beyond the development of practical skills, the project harnesses gardening and cooking as therapeutic tools to support the healing of abused and vulnerable children living at the shelter. 

President of the Samoa Victim Support Group, Siliniu Lina Chang said the unique nature of the project focused on using gardening and cooking to aid in the recovery of traumatised children. 

“This project is unique. It focuses on gardening and cooking as tools to help nurture the healing of children living in shelters for abused and vulnerable children in Samoa, a country with high rates of violence and high rates of obesity,” she said.

Under the vision of Healthy Islands supported by the World Health Organisation, this project aims to nourish children physically and mentally, foster environments conducive to learning and recreation, and promote ecological equilibrium as a source of pride. 

Siliniu shared deep gratitude for the WHO's support and eagerly anticipated the opportunity to showcase the exceptional outcomes of the project, inviting guests to experience the gardening and cooking talents honed by the young Master Chefs at the Campus of Hope.