Farming for freedom · Self sufficient living

Growing our own food means freedom: freedom to know what we eat, freedom from big markets, freedom from pesticides and freedom to know that our agricultural practices are not harming the environment.

by Marina Vicente, teacher

Striving for self sufficient living

Part of being Another Kind of Teacher, is being aware about some very important issues in our world. Climate Change, socio-economic inequalities, human rights abuses, populations that lack different basic needs – such as food and water, the solidarity crisis regarding the refugee situation, wars and conflict causes and consequences, people’s struggles, etc.

Another Kind of Teacher should be aware of the big issues of our time, and actively try to seek solutions for it – together with their colleagues, students, communities, countries, and so on.

Understanding (theory) and acting (practice)

The DNS education offers an extensive and varied programme, where the students have the opportunity to learn theoretically, and practically, about Pedagogy, World Politics, History and many other subjects, such as Horticulture and Lifestyle Sustainability.

The students at DNS are equipped with the theoretical tools understand the world, its issues and its beauty, but also the practical tools to directly help solving some of the world problems. One of those practical tools is garden farming and self sufficient living.

Self reliance and sustainability

Learning to grow food is maybe one of the most fundamental skills to acquire when trying to contribute to a more sustainable world, and at DNS, Another Kind of Teachers invest some time weekly in taking care of growing their own vegetables.

At DNS, we grow different vegetables and we educate ourselves about the importance of this practice. Theoretically, we learn about the benefits of healthy food, about the harmful practices used by big corporations and about different needed nutrients to a healthy body.

Practically, we learn through actions where students and teachers join forces to prepare the land, sow the seeds, weed and harvest the products. Through different workshops, actions, presentations and courses, teachers and students keep themselves close to this so important matter.

Farming for freedom

Growing our own food means freedom: freedom to know what we eat, freedom from big markets, freedom from pesticides and freedom to know that our agricultural practices are not harming the environment. Teachers who are prepared to improve the world, need to be prepared to take into their hands the responsibilities that come with it.

Getting involved in finding solutions, such as permaculture, self sufficient living, garden farming, supporting the local markets, avoiding food waste and being part of a more sustainable lifestyle are all applicable, real and good ways to start having a positive footprint in our world.