- Perma Horti (Permaculture Design and Urban Horticulture)- Croatia
- Objectives & implementation
- Stakeholders
- Timescale
- Fields of application
- Transferability
- Impact & results
- Results of the World Cafè analysis
- Weaknesses
- Strenghts
- Possible implementations through the New European Bauhaus and digital transition
- Role of the social economy sector in promoting & improving the best practice
- External links
Perma Horti (Permaculture Design and Urban Horticulture)- Croatia #
The PERMA-HORTI initiative in Zadar County, Croatia aims to improve employment opportunities by developing interdisciplinary training programs in permaculture design and urban horticulture for vulnerable groups in the labor market. The project also intends to introduce new educational methods and content related to permaculture and urban horticulture in partner schools. The project is led by Agricultural, Food and Veterinary School Stanko Ožanić, in collaboration with AGRRA (Agency for Rural Development of Zadar County), Porat (Association of Abstinents for Assistance in Resocialization), the University of Zadar, Elementary School Voštarnica Zadar and Nasadi d.o.o.
Objectives & implementation #
The project “PERMA-HORTI – Zadar Initiative for Permaculture Design and Urban Horticulture” created an innovative and verified adult education program for permaculture design and urban horticulture. 45 unemployed women gained new knowledge and skills through the program, increasing their employability in the labor market. The program was also integrated into school curricula, allowing 80 students from the Agricultural, Food and Veterinary School Stanko Ožanić to improve their knowledge and skills. The project also utilizes the therapeutic effects of horticulture by including extracurricular activities and involving ten students with developmental disabilities from Elementary School Voštarnica in horticultural work.
Stakeholders #
The project “PERMA-HORTI – Zadar Initiative for Permaculture Design and Urban Horticulture” created an innovative and verified adult education program for permaculture design and urban horticulture. 45 unemployed women gained new knowledge and skills through the program, increasing their employability in the labor market. The program was also integrated into school curricula, allowing 80 students from the Agricultural, Food and Veterinary School Stanko Ožanić to improve their knowledge and skills. The project also utilizes the therapeutic effects of horticulture by including extracurricular activities and involving ten students with developmental disabilities from Elementary School Voštarnica in horticultural work.
Timescale #
The project started on May 14th 2018 and ended on May 13th 2020.
Fields of application #
The main field of application for the project is aimed at increasing the employability of the most vulnerable groups in the labor market. This is achieved through the development and implementation of an innovative interdisciplinary training program that covers permaculture design and urban horticulture. Additionally, the project aims to effectively implement the county’s strategy for human resource development by adapting existing educational methods and introducing new content into partner schools.
Transferability #
The “PERMA-HORTI – Zadar Initiative for Permaculture Design and Urban Horticulture” project is transferable and can be implemented at various levels, including international, national, and regional, with the goal of strengthening human resources and promoting innovative methods in horticulture.
Impact & results #
This project was recognized and selected for the European Social Funds (ESF) success stories
Results of the World Cafè analysis #
Weaknesses #
One weakness of the best practice is the requirement for financial support for replication in different project countries. Without adequate funding, the replication of the best practice may not be possible.
Strenghts #
The strengths of the best practice and its replication potential lie in its ease of implementation and its ability to create new employment opportunities, thereby improving resilience and economic and social independence. From an educational standpoint, it has the potential to positively impact future generations and drive a change in society’s direction.
Possible implementations through the New European Bauhaus and digital transition #
The New European Bauhaus and digital transition can contribute to overcoming the weaknesses of the best practice and help replicate it in other countries through its sustainable and inclusive approach. This, in turn, can increase the employability of the most vulnerable groups and support the implementation of innovative programs.
Role of the social economy sector in promoting & improving the best practice #
The social economy sector can play a crucial role in promoting the best practice by utilizing the therapeutic effect of urban gardens and strengthening the human resources in the project countries. The sector can implement urban gardens as a green idea and leverage their therapeutic potential to enhance the well-being of individuals. This would not only benefit the local community but also contribute to the overall sustainability of the project.
