Schools 

Guide to Linking

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Things to bear in mind

School linking is an essential part of Gardens for Life. This section is designed to give you an idea of some of the benefits and also some of the pitfalls to avoid. Gardens for Life believes that school gardening offers an equitable basis for international linking: anyone can grow a garden, and every garden is different.

Gardens for Life follows UKOWLA's guidelines on international linking, for more information see the resources pack.

Skills for the 21st century

As well as providing children with vital skills that will stay with them for life and link them with the environment their food comes from, Gardens for Life offers an international perspective that enables children to become 'global citizens'. Gardens for Life encourages children to share their experiences as equals and begin to understand that the world is home to a diverse range of cultures and people.

Climate change and food security

The threat of climate change only makes it more imperative that we work together, this generation will face some of the greatest challenges to mankind's survival. The means to produce food locally will become a vital skill, but no less important are the relationships that this generation will form. In an increasingly globalized world it is important to put names and faces to the people who are sharing resources with each other.

Benefits of linking

Full participation in Gardens for Life qualifies your school for the Intermediate Level of the International Schools Award and counts as an international activity (one of seven) toward the Full Award. The guidelines for awards can be found on the Global Gateway site, but be aware that they have changed.