D.I.G.S. (Doing It Green and Sustainably)
The purpose of the DIGS project was to serve Victoria by helping individuals and groups build their capacity to actively develop more just and sustainable food systems. The project involved many community partners, helping to build networks that have long lasting value to the people. The project activities recognized social and environmental sustainability, and food security issues, as essential to making a healthy society.
Young people worked as part of a team to gain valuable experience through community service projects. Youth in the project empowered themselves to be local leaders. They educated others about the food system, and what eating and growing practices are beneficial to the local community on both social and ecological levels. They directly helped the community food system through the creation of community and home gardens.
The participants focused on three main activities:
- Community Garden Creation
- Bees and Fruit Trees - Educating and Taking Action
- Children's Education focused on food and the environment.
DIGS participants received training to develop skills in some of the following areas:
- Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Office Protocol and Microsoft Office Training
- Safety and Emergency First Aid
- Community Mapping
- Gardening and Tree pruning