Gardening near Greifswald: Traumatized children thrive!

Gardening near Greifswald: Traumatized children thrive!

There is a remarkable initiative in the Greifswald region that not only cares about the well-being of children and young people who have had traumatic experiences, but also about sustainability and their own food supply. Zora gGmbH, based in Greifswald, has set up a nursery in Weitenhagen. Here the protégés are given the opportunity to actively participate in shaping their environment and to grow fresh food themselves. Ostsee-Zeitung reports that the nursery was founded in 2022 to offer the children a practical and healing activity.

Zora gGmbH looks after eight children and young people in six residential groups. This facility follows an innovative approach aimed at trauma-sensitive work, effectiveness and sustainability. Loud Bioeconomy Greifswald, the Zora facility is committed to ethical and sustainable business. The focus on preventing violence and the application of scientific approaches and new pedagogical concepts are central points in the work of Zora employees.

A space for development and creativity

The children have the opportunity to actively participate in the gardening center once a month. This gardening work is voluntary, so the protégés can also use time to play or relax in the hammock. The carers are enthusiastic about the commitment the children show when gardening. Positive changes in behavior are already visible: the young people appear calmer and more harmonious.

Between 50 and 60 different crops are currently grown, including carrots, onions, peppers and pumpkins. The harvest is so large that vegetables are regularly left over. Due to the high yield, the nursery offers an interesting offer for the public: interested people can pick up a box of fresh vegetables every week from 100 euros per month. The cooperation with an unpackaged store in Greifswald is particularly practical, as it additionally supports the ecological approach.

Future plans and needs

But Zora gGmbH has even bigger plans: an area of ​​1-3 hectares is currently being sought for the cultivation of additional vegetable areas in order to expand the supply even further. The site should ideally be located 10 kilometers around Greifswald. Those interested can find out more on the market square or in a flyer from the facility.

The gardening center is not only a place for employees and employment, but also an important part of the integrative work of Zora gGmbH. With every step towards greater self-sufficiency, the facility makes a valuable contribution to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

For more information about the nursery and what it offers, visit Baltic Sea newspaper or the website of Bioeconomy Greifswald.