As we approach the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the challenges faced by displaced families remain immense. For Ukrainian refugee children, the upheaval of war has disrupted not only their homes but also their education and sense of stability. Our Resiliency Gardens program in Poland, now in its third year, offers a space for learning, healing, and connection through gardening. 

Over the last three years, we have helped create 27 school gardening programs in Poland, in partnership with Resiliency Gardens, Fundacja NATURAlnego Rozwoju and the City of Rybnik. These programs support students—including Ukrainian refugees and children with special needs— by providing hands-on environmental education, promoting healthy eating, and fostering a sense of community among both local and refugee students.

This year we are supporting 253 students in 10 schools to create educational gardens. These schools include 6 preschools, 4 primary schools, and 1 vocational high school. An educational support aid visits each school to provide teaching workshops throughout the year. These workshops engage children and youth, sparking curiosity about nature while encouraging teamwork and sustainability. Through seasonal activities, gardening projects, and interactive lessons, students explore the natural world while developing a deeper understanding of community and environmental stewardship.

Highlights from the Workshops

• Hands-on Learning – Students built their own garden models, explored plant species, and learn about soil, water, and sunlight.

• Interactive Engagement – Group discussions, storytelling, and sensory exploration of fresh vegetables and herbs made learning more accessible.

• Encouraging Teamwork – Children work together, sharing materials and identifying plants while developing collaboration skills.

• Healthy Eating Awareness – Students are introduced to different fruits, vegetables, and herbs, reinforcing the importance of nutritious food.

• Practical Gardening for Older Students – Vocational school participants practice companion planting and other real-world gardening skills, preparing them for future employment opportunities.

Your Support Makes This Possible

With your support, this program continues to provide environmental education and sustainable gardening skills to children who may not otherwise have this opportunity. These school gardens are more than just a place to grow food—they are spaces for learning, resilience, and rebuilding a sense of normalcy for displaced students.

Thank you for supporting this work and helping plant the seeds of resilience and hope.

If you would like to learn more about our programs in Poland and Ukraine, you can visit our webpage here: https://seedprograms.org/ukr/

If you would like to donate to this program or our other programs in Ukraine, you can donate here: https://seedprograms.org/donate-now/