TAFE NSW Richmond students are helping to tackle childhood obesity by constructing a kitchen garden at Walters Road Public School as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

The four-week project, in conjunction with Western Sydney Diabetes, saw students studying a Certificate II in Horticulture and Certificate III in Landscape Construction at TAFE NSW Richmond spend one day a week at Walters Road Public School, constructing raised garden beds and paved and aggregated pathways.

TAFE NSW Richmond landscaping student, Alexander Vrbanovic said, “I really enjoyed working on the project at Walters Road Public School as it meant I could use the skills I have been learning at TAFE NSW on a real-world project.

“We constructed a few brick planter boxes and raised garden beds that the students will now be able to plant their kitchen garden in. It feels really good knowing that we have created something that is going to be used and really appreciated.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Landscape Construction and Horticulture, Allen Tuck said the project was a wonderful experience for all the students involved and really highlighted the importance of partnerships between education and health.

“The project not only gave the students the satisfaction of knowing what they’re building will be used as a tool for education, it also provided them with the opportunity to showcase what they have been studying at TAFE NSW.”

Western Sydney Diabetes director, Professor Glen Maberly said, “Diabetes in western Sydney is a growing problem that won't be solved by health care alone - it requires the combined power and reach of partners who are committed to beating diabetes together.”

“The partnership between Western Sydney Diabetes, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program and TAFE NSW has enabled Walters Road Public School to tackle childhood obesity at a grass roots level by teaching students how to grow, harvest and prepare healthy fresh food in a fun way.

“We welcome the efforts of organisations like TAFE NSW for their support in improving the eating habits of kids and their families and helping to turn the tide on obesity and diabetes in western Sydney,” Prof Maberly said.

To find out more about studying Landscape Construction or Horticulture at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0412 478 415