Environmental learning Towards a humane balanced world

Press, 15 August 1988, Page 18

Environmental learning Towards a humane balanced world

Ofelia Suarez Chambers is a Venezuelan who is dedicated to bringing back ecological balance and humanity to the world.

In her home country she is a national personality, whose transformations of dead land into little Gardens of Eden have won her both media and political acclaim.

Ofelia trained in organic agriculture in the United States, studying 17 different methods of nonpolluting food production. In Caracas she was a senior university lecturer on the subject, and had her own television programme.

Since marrying an Ashburton man and coming to live in Christchurch, Ofelia has committed herself to passing on her knowledge to New Zealanders, setting up the Christchurch Polytechnic’s Environmental Educational Trust.

Ofelia, and her fellow

tutor, Holger Kahl, have organised a series of courses in organic and biodynamic farming and gardening from this month until the end of the year.

Starting on Tuesday, August 30, and running until November 1, in the evenings, is Organic Teacher — Organic Classroom, designed for teachers. This will teach how to incorporate organic and ecological gardening and environmental principles into both indoor and outdoor activities.

Organic Gardening and Farming is an introductory course teaching an understanding of the soil and environment, planting and harvest. This begins on Thursday, September 1 and runs until October 29, with practical skills sessions on Saturdays. Biodynamic Gardening and Farming is an introduction to the philosophical and practical as-

pects of the biodynamic method developed by Rudolf Steiner. Special emphasis will be given to composting and the French intensive method. There will be two courses — on Mondays in the mornings or evenings from August 29 to October 19, or from October 29 to December 14.

Distance Open Learning: My Organic Farm is a correspondence course for those living in the country, or who can’t get into Christchurch easily. Kitsets will be mailed out and these will be supplemented by radio programmes and videos. Individual tutoring and supervision will be arranged in Christchurch.

Students choose the frequency and length of the course and will work on individual or group projects in their own area. Groups of 10 people are eligible for a 10 per cent discount. All other courses will be at Opawa Gardens, on the corner of York Street and Hassals Lane, at 250 Dyers Road, Bromley, and at the Christchurch Polytechnic library.

For more information and registrations- contact the John Hercus Centre, K-Block, Coventry Street, phone 798-150, ext. 8207. Ofelia can be contacted at 383-079 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Holger at 294-003.