In February this year the young people of the Kildare participation group have started to manage a 10 x 10 meter squared allotment. The young people, ably supported by their advocates, put a lot of effort into preparing the massive plot for planting, a process which took weeks of planning, designing, weeding, building, digging and shovelling manure. All the young people contributed in what was a very physically demanding initial few weeks which showed little reward and they deserve great credit for the effort and commitment they showed during this time. They eventually got to put a variety of vegetables in the ground in May and are now in the process of nurturing their first crop while trying to ward off various threats that come with vegetable growing. They have also constructed two, as yet to be named scarecrows. The making of which turned into an impromptu fashion show of second hand clothes in the Kildare office.
To date this project has involved a lot of hard work from the young people, the fruits of which are starting to be seen as the crops grow. The commitment and effort shown by all involved has been an inspiration and we look forward to the day when we pull our first carrots, scallions, lettuces, peppers, pumpkins or tomato from the ground.
