So far, my internship has been a rewarding and enriching experience. My summer internship is with Keep Growing Detroit, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create a food sovereign Detroit, as well as supporting local farmers and adolescents through their Garden Resources program and youth/early-development childhood programs. My summer research project is currently focused on developing an education environmental curriculum for the youth program, as well as diving in cross-training involving harvesting of summer crops, and helping with grants and land funds. Working with the community and team members at the non-profit has been a truly wonderful opportunity, as well as learning the craft and skill it takes to be a farmer. Whether that is looking at various articles about environmental justice or planting scallion seeds in trays, I have learned to present in the moment and focus on what is most important-building a food sovereign community in a city where there is a lack of food security.
Interacting with the fellows at DCERP has also been a great opportunity and I am glad I have gotten closer with many of them. One thing that has been interesting throughout this experience is how so many of our non-profits interconnect, and how we are able to offer various perspectives on similar issues we are dealing with during our internships. Whether we go on a walk downtown, have potlucks, or carpool together, it has been nice to share little moments that have brought together our DCERP cohort. I hope to explore various events with them in the near future, such as the Detroit Music Weekend and the Concert of Colors!
Chinwe! I love hearing about your work when you get in my car for the ride back to the apartments haha. Community garden work is so important (in so many ways). I love the way it can create community spaces for people of different generations to come together. Perhaps you could include a little point about some of the many benefits urban gardens have in your education curriculum!
Hey Chinwe! It’s great to hear how great your experience at KGD is going! It’s been great getting to know you more and I’m super excited to see how the rest of the summer goes for you. We’ll definitely have to explore more and try out those events!
Hi Chinwe, creating a curriculum sounds like a very complex but rewarding project and I’m glad you also get hands-on experience. I also am interested in seeing the concert of colors 🙂
Hi Chinwe, your organization sounds so cool and I love that you included a picture! I think it’s so important for people to learn or experience the process of growing their own food. It definitely adds a sense of appreciation and connection to nature. I look forward to hearing more about your project!