CURIOUS MINDS SOUTH AUCKLAND 2024 - PROJECT #3

Puna o le Atamai (Fountains of Knowledge) Gardens

Pasifika Early Learning

Over the course of 8 months, the Pasifika Early Learning team have fostered a love of healthy eating among the tamaiti (children) at the Puna o le Atamai aoga amata (preschool) in Māngere East.

By utilising a framework of learning through play, the PEL team taught 30 tamaiti aged 3–5 about biology, nutrition and self-care through the design and cultivation of a sensory garden filled with edible plants.

The project team worked with landscape designers and garden experts to plan the garden, with students actively participating in everything from plant selection to harvesting (and sampling) the produce.

In the long term, PEL seeks to foster self-sufficiency and new knowledge in the children's aiga (families) by encouraging them to create home gardens and participate in cooking classes and events at the centre.

Return to the Curious Minds South Auckland 2024 projects page