Organic Garden in a psychiatric hospital

Program description

The psychiatric hospital is one of the few psychiatric hospitals in Buenos Aires and is home to more than 1300 patients. The organic garden was created by Argentinean volunteers to give the patients and the neighbourhood community a crafted space to see the growth of crops, to learn and to share in the open-air.

The working day includes cleaning the weeds, planting and harvesting in a sociable space full of mate and music.

Volunteers can also learn about crops and landscaping. The coordinators and patients make the pesticides and herbicides needed for the garden. They use natural materials that assure an organic production.

The patients who work in the garden and visit it are in advanced stages of healing and are nearing full recovery and their release. The garden is an excellent way to begin to reintegrate the patients into the community and society.

Volunteer tasks

•Help with planting, watering and removing weeds are the main activities.

•Be friendly and patient with the patients who are looking to feel free in the space of the garden. Listen to the psychologists and professionals who visit the garden and contribute ideas to share with the patients.

•Implement recycling rules and the re-use of materials.

•Talk to patients (it is a wonderful chance for them to gain confidence in people and an opportunity for volunteers to practice their Spanish).

•Learn about environmental responsibility and implement organic initiatives. New ideas and a desire to build an ecological project are welcome!