Local Education Programs
School Tours ~ Community Education ~ Global Poverty Simulation
Our Local Education Program promotes Christian responses to hungry people in ways that do not create dependency. By educating school-age children, community groups, and churches of the plight of the poor and the broader issues of global hunger and poverty WHRI seeks to create an awareness of the problem of hunger in Central Texas and throughout the world. We believe that the insulation of our affluent society keeps us from understanding the overwhelming prevalence of this problem locally and worldwide. Educating children and youth is crucial to helping our society to become prudent consumers of our valuable natural resources.
School Tours:
Interactive Tours Tailored to Your Students' Developmental Levels and Interests
For Younger Students: Investigative Learning
Animals:
- Discussing and observing characteristics of goats, cows, rabbits, chickens, and worms
- Feeling fur of different animals
Plants and Seeds:
- Identifying plants, stages of growth, and needs of plants
- Comparing different seeds
- Discussing vegetables and food production
- Picking and tasting vegetables from the garden
Food from animals and plants:
- Discussing milk production from goats - observe a goat being milked when possible
- Picking and tasting vegetables from the garden
- Discussing and smelling various herbs
For Older Students: Exploratory Learning
Animals and Plants:
- Discussing and observing characteristics, physiology, and function of farm animals
- Exploring relatedness and interdependence of animals on the farm
- Observing a goat being milked (when possible)
Systems and Cycles:
- Identifying stages of plant and animal growth and needs of the earth in maintaining those systems
- Comparing ecosystems and environmental conservation solutions such as composting
- Discussing cycles of growth, geological formation, weather, and climate
Food and Hunger Issues:
- Explore issues of nutrition and health as they relate to food production and access
- Discuss implications of agriculture, food, and relevant issues of social and economic justice
- Discuss the difference between relief efforts and development work
WHRI has tours tailored to meet the TEKS requirements for grades 1-6 and can customize farm visits to fit the curriculum, TEKS requirements, or learning objectives of any grade. We encourage visitors to consult the staff at WHRI before your visit and plan your farm experience; this can include service projects, meaningful work experiences and pre/post visit interactions.
To get a better idea of what our school tours involve please visit our Education Resources page and download the grade appropriate tour curriculum.
Community Education
Tours
Geared towards families, civic organizations and faith communities our Community Education Tours include information on the following topics:
- Agriculture and the environment
- Lifestyles and their impact on the environment
- Life in developing countries
- Working models of principles taught in school science classes
- Nutrition
- Gardening - with an emphasis on organic and sustainable food production
- Composting and conservation of resources
- Rabbits, goats, and chickens
- Poverty and hunger
- Relief and development efforts
- Stewardship
All our tours can be geared towards a particular topic of focus that interests your group and would make your visit to WHRI more valuable so don't hesitate to ask.
Workshops
We offer periodic workshops on a wide variety of topics connected to our work here on the farm. These range from cheese making, to composting, to organic pest-management. Keep an eye on the frontpage of our website for upcoming dates and availability
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Living on the Other Side: A Global Poverty Simulation Program for Youth and Adults
Educating Participants and Inspiring Active Responses
to Issues of Global Hunger and Poverty
"Out of the 6.39 billion people in the world, 853 million men, women and children are hungry or malnourished. There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, so why are people hungry?" (Bread for the World, 2005)
This is an example of the types of probing questions asked as a part of the Living on the Other Side experience. Our enthusiastic staff is committed to educating participants on causes and issues related to global hunger. These intersecting topics include poverty, issues affecting women, clean water, rural living, child/sweatshop labor, global hunger awareness, and the impact of our lifestyle choices.
More than just sitting and listening, participants learn through games, videos, Bible studies, skits and engaging educational activities. They will also role-play daily scenarios faced by struggling families in order to better understand what life is like for the millions of hungry people around the world.
This program requires a minimum group of 6 participants (maximum 12) ages 12 years and older, with an adult-to-youth ratio of 1 to 5.
Sponsorship
Our hope is that learning about the realities of hunger and poverty will not just be experienced by individual participants, but by entire communities! This is why we ask each participant to be responsible for collecting $50 to cover the costs involved with this experience. Faith communities, teachers, neighbors, community leaders, and family members are invited to be a part of supporting participants through their prayers and financial giving. Portions of each collected donation will be used to support our agricultural internship program and hunger relief efforts in northeastern Haiti.
Before You Come
Skip at least one meal prior to your arrival. Food will be available to you throughout the weekend, but it is important as part of our opening activities. Bring one change of clothing (that can get dirty), sleeping bag, and hygiene items in one small backpack. Bring a Bible and pen, souvenir money, and work gloves. No cell phones or electronic devices, please!
To register or discuss, please contact us at: 254-799-5611