Edith Lando VLC and UBC Childcare have united in a harmonious collaboration, embracing the beauty of nature as they work together to create a garden on campus.
This project involves the transformation of a former preschool space into a vibrant garden that will be accessible to all childcare facilities across campus. The endeavour received enthusiastic support from elementary-aged children at UBC Kids Club, fostering a sense of connection amongst the young learners and educators involved. Our aim is to establish a shared, inclusive space that promotes explorative learning for all.
Project Leads
Megan Zeni, PhD Candidate, Project Consultant
Megan Zeni is a teacher in nature and a tireless outdoor play advocate. She is a whole systems thinker who offers mentorship and leadership with pedagogical applications of outdoor play and learning in the elementary school context. Megan also offers professional learning for educators who locate their curriculum in school gardens and outdoor classrooms.
Ena Point, Indigenous Education Lead
Ena Point is the Indigenous Relations and Engagement Pedagogist for UBC Child Care since September 2021. Drawing on her background of creating Indigenous outreach programs for Indigenous families, Ena is trailblazing a path to weave Musqueam values and perspectives into UBC Child Care’s commitment to pedagogy through strong reciprocal collaborations with Musqueam. As a first generation Filipina-Canadian, Ena has lived in the Musqueam community for over 20 years, with her late-husband Terry Point and their three children.
Peyvand Fralick, Project Coordinator
Peyvand is a Project Coordinator in UBC’s Faculty of Education with a strong interest in alternative means of delivering education. As a child she had trouble adjusting to the classroom setting, preferring to be active and exploring, rather than sitting in a desk. Now as a mother to a toddler, she sees those same tendencies in her son. Peyvand thinks that more variety in K-12 education is the key to engaging all types of learners and personalities. As the coordinator for the this project she is proud to be able to help support the development of a non-traditional learning environment where learners are encouraged to explore, use all of their senses, and be creative and curious in their understanding of the world around them.
This project is made possible by a collaboration with UBC Childcare Services, Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP), David Suzuki Foundation’s Butterfly Way Project, and Room to Play Consulting.
