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It's just taking me a few moments to get the hang of this, so it would be even better if anyone has a question to ask about what we've done to introduce the program at Majura Primary - means that I get to talk about the program, but also get the hang of this forum!

This too is my first go so I will ask you this: Who did you draw on both inside and outside your community to complete your Kitchen Garden Program application?

What was vital in our school was that we had a band of interested parents who were prepared to help with different parts of this process. We had a very interested group of Kindergarten parents, some of them chefs, many of them gardeners, who wanted to run with this application. It's funny, but if you asked them what they needed, they'd say a supportive principal, so it's a mutual partnership. But these wonderful parents helped tremendously with the application process, with helping secure plans and costings, etc. Really, I think you need a few people who are enthusiastic and who are optimistic and open minded that such ideas as this can work in a school. One parent and myself had put together an application that was originally unsuccessful and then these Kindi parents took the first model and added detail and structure to it. Our parents established a Wiki Website very early on in the process so we could 'log' all our thoughts, actions, applications, documents, etc in the hope this would be helpful to others.

Thanks C?oralie. What is the biggest challenge you faced in implementing your Program and how did you overcome it

Hmmm....in all honesty, the biggest challenge has been to overcome the thinking around "I'm too busy" or "This will take my time away from all the other things I need to do". So the challenge is a personal one, really. How do we overcome that thinking which can hold us back because we might be afraid of the outcome? That is why the group of excited people are so important. I have to say that once the grant was announced, Majura felt very supported by the SA Foundation and also by ACT DET to implement the program in real terms, to build the kitchen and the garden. Our SAKG project officer, Derek, offered very practical advice and linked us with other schools close by who might be able to help us. We had many hours donated by our parents (and myself) painting kitchens, sourcing materials, etc. However we tried to be clear about what to ask for and we found that when we put out a plea in the newsletter for particular items or particular help, that was always forthcoming. We also applied for further Health Promotions funding to establish the garden a term earlier then the kitchen/dining area and this helped. We were able to recruit and start our garden specialist 3 months earlier, which meant we had something in the garden when it came to launching the program. Now, our next challenge is to develop partnerships with small and large business groups to help with the ongoing running of the program, but again, we just need to be clear and concise about what we need. The SAKG program has very much raised the profile of the school, so in turn increasing the chances for those partnerships to occur.

Coralie, thanks so much for your time tonight and your insightful comments. All the best to you and the Majura PS Community.
Ange