Goodbye to Malina and Nabayit

Hi! This is Malina. I was a Market Garden Worker for the beginning of the summer at GreenThumbs. This job gave me a sense of fulfillment not many others have. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and appreciate urban agriculture while also sharing my passions for science with children and coworkers.  

My favourite part of working with GreenThumbs was the amount of hands-on learning I was doing. After spending the school year at McGill University where I was always in a lecture or the library, it was such a privilege to reconnect with nature while still learning.

I have learned about and connected with so many plants, insects, and nutrient cycles in a way that feels much richer because it came from a fostering environment and a genuine curiosity. 

My passion for social justice and equity was deepened seeing the immense impact the school gardens had on children who had little access to clean and safe outdoor spaces.

Witnessing the children’s eyes light up at different plants and the excitement they had at small tasks such as watering was truly touching. GreenThumbs is doing incredible work for both Toronto communities and the environment. I can’t wait to see where they go further. I am grateful to have shared a small part in their journey. 

‍

Hi I’m Nabayit, and I was a Market Garden Worker with Green Thumbs this summer through CSJ. I loved working in school gardens and teaching children and youth about food literacy. I was grateful to be able to learn alongside the students as I developed my knowledge of urban agriculture and school food initiatives.

My favourite part of my time with Green Thumbs was the sense of connection it fostered with both nature and my community. I have learned so much about native plants, urban farming and pollination, as well as food security in Toronto communities.

I really appreciated the opportunity to work with community leaders and explore some of Toronto’s rooftop and community gardens. Connecting with families and youth in school gardens reinforced the importance of equitable access to green spaces and food education. 

I’m grateful for all the valuable knowledge I gained this summer, and for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work. I hope to work with Green Thumbs again in the future, and I look forward to seeing their continued impact in Toronto communities!