Caption: Residents attending the virtual workshop at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433
Caption: Vivienne (left) and her father Mr Chong (right) discovering the joys of farming at home.
Caption: Learning new skills through digital platforms in the comfort of their home.
Gardening has a way of building family bonds. Ms Vivienne Chong, 52, was glad to see her father Mr Chong Sze Chuan, 80, listening attentively to the instructor as he picked up his gardening tool and attempted to plant his own seedlings. Thanks to the Home Farming Online Workshop conducted by Ground Up Initiative (GUI) and supported by LearnSG Seed Fund in November, some 20 Ang Mo Kio residents had the opportunity to hone their gardening skills.
From learning basic farming techniques to understanding the right conditions and best gardening locations in the home, residents were given practical handles to create the best environment for plants to thrive.
“It was really good seeing my dad responding so well to the online sessions. He was observing and putting into practice what he had learnt. It’s so cool that we can still learn something new together during this pandemic. It gives us something to look forward to as we have lively conversations about it. Tending to the plants and watching them grow is so therapeutic!” said Ms Vivienne Chong.
Caption: Mr Lee Soo Keng, 71, learning to plant seeds in recycled egg trays
Residents had an enjoyable time sharing about their experience, learning together and exchanging notes with friends who are gardening enthusiasts. Some already have plans to spruce up their homes with more plants while others intend to organise more community gardening meet ups at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433.
Last year, GUI also taught residents Ang Ku Kueh making and organised a visit to a bee sanctuary, reminiscent of the kampung days, also supported by the LearnSG Seed Fund. Residents also learnt about sustainable eco-farming methods and shared their new knowledge with friends and family members.
This project is funded by:
