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We are enthusiastic about our participation in the regional project "The Territory Teaches Us". This initiative, made possible thanks to the support of the EAFRD through Submeasure 16.9 of the PSR 2014-2020, represents a precious opportunity for our educational, advanced and social farm "Il Giardino di Manipura" to introduce children to the world of social agriculture through immersive and sensorial experiences.
Our commitment to this project comes from an authentic desire: we want to convey to children the wonder of discovering the area through the senses, of feeling the earth under their feet, of recognizing the scents of the countryside and of perceiving the vital heartbeat of nature. We firmly believe that educating new generations to respect the environment and sustainability is an essential duty for each of us in trying to build a more harmonious and conscious future.
The values that guide our path in this project are deeply rooted in sustainability, education and the valorization of the connection between the territory and the community. We want to promote active and engaging participation, where every child can feel part of a great collective journey to discover our environment and the history of our territory.
Through our membership of "Il Territorio Ci Insegna", we aim to lead children on a journey of exploration of the dynamics of the natural and agricultural cycle.
We want to raise awareness among children about sustainable agricultural practices and their positive impact on the environment, while strengthening their connection with the territory through shared and collaborative experiences.
The activities we have designed are developed in three editions of 40 hours each, spread over five intense days, each day is a total immersion in a specific theme, a sensorial journey that leads children through the natural elements, awakening an awareness in them new and profound understanding of the world around them.
A Pelo d'Acqua: water cycle, herbarium and leaves
The first day of our journey, called "A Pelo d'Acqua", is dedicated to discovering the water cycle, a precious and fundamental resource for life and agriculture. We start the day by talking with the children about the various phases that water goes through on its continuous journey: from evaporation to rain, until it returns to the rivers, lakes and, finally, to the soil that nourishes the plants. After this introduction, we prepare for a hands-on activity that children love: creating a herbarium. We walk together in the Botanical Garden and in the fields of our farm, collecting leaves and medicinal plants. Each child carefully chooses what he wants to include in his herbarium, learning to recognize the different species and catalog them. Sitting in a circle, with scented hands and a basket full of leaves and flowers, the children begin to press the plants collected between the pages of their notebooks, transforming their work into a tangible memory of this day. Along the way, we talk about the importance of these plants, how they grow thanks to water and sun and how every single element of nature is connected to the others in a perfect balance.
Thus, between stories and laughter, we learn together to respect and appreciate this precious natural element.
Light as Air: flowers, bees, essences and perfumes
On the second day we immerse ourselves in the wonderful world of flowers, bees and perfumes. From the morning, children are welcomed by the bright colors of the flowers inside the Farm, a true explosion of life and beauty. The air is pervaded by the sweet and intense scents that the flowers give off, creating a magical and engaging atmosphere. The heart of the day is dedicated to exploring the world of bees, tiny creatures but fundamental to our existence. Accompanied by one of our expert beekeepers, children have the opportunity to observe bees at work up close, learning how precious their work is in producing honey and fertilizing flowers. The beekeeper explains all the phases of her work with simplicity and passion, showing how she takes care of the hives and how honey is extracted, a natural sweetness that the children have the opportunity to taste. During the day, we explore together the flowers that attract bees, discovering their secrets. Children have fun picking flowers, observing carefully and smelling the scents, letting themselves be transported into a sensory experience that will remain etched in their memory. Between games, stories and discoveries, we learn to know and respect the importance of bees and flowers and to enjoy the beauty and richness that they give us every day.
At the Center of the Earth: life underground, excursions and transplants
The third day of our journey, "At the Center of the Earth", takes us to discover the mysterious and fascinating world underground. From the early hours of the morning, children prepare for an experience that leads them to discover what happens under our feet, where life teems, invisible but fundamental. We start the day with an excursion to the fields, where the children can dig, touch the earth with their hands and discover its consistency. In amazement, they observe small insects and earthworms moving through the soil, learning that these tiny inhabitants play a vital role in the health of the planet. It is a moment of great discovery, in which curiosity is released in the hearts of the little ones and in which the soil becomes a universe to explore, full of life and secrets. The day continues with transplant activities. Each child chooses a plant to transplant, learning how roots develop and anchor themselves to the soil and how subsoil microorganisms contribute to plant growth. With their hands in the earth, children experience the pleasure of creating something new, taking part in the process of renewing life beneath the surface. Direct contact with the ground allows us to understand the importance of the earth and its invisible inhabitants. Through touch, observation and care, children live an experience of profound connection with nature, discovering how essential life underground is for everything that grows and lives in the environment around them.
Fire of Joy: focus on fruit and ancient crafts
The fourth day, called "Fire of Joy", takes us to explore the richness of local fruit and vegetables and to rediscover the ancient crafts that were once an integral part of daily life. Children are welcomed by the warmth of the sun that illuminates the orchards, where an infinite number of colors and flavors await them.
The day begins with a walk among the fruit trees and the botanical garden, where children learn to recognize local varieties. It is an experience that involves all the senses: sight, with the bright colors of the fruits; the sense of smell, with intense aromas; touch, with the harvesting of sweet fruits in their little hands and taste, with the authentic flavor of nature.
Not only that! Together with the Fairy of Manipura we discover the magic of extracting color from nature! Natural colors can be extracted and obtained from many plant sources such as flower corollas, leaves, fruits, vegetables, spices and some roots.
The extraction methods are also different based on the use that will be made of the natural pigment. An activity much loved by the little ones, because it allows them to unleash their imagination and creativity, drawing and coloring with the colors obtained together!
But this day is also a blast from the past. The children, with the support of Amedeo, great grandfather and the historical memory of our farm, are introduced to ancient crafts, linked to the working of the land, learning new skills, the quality of artisan work and the precious value of stories from the past. There's no shortage of fun with grandpa's many games!
An experience that brings them closer to the roots of our culture, through the simplicity and beauty of the gestures of the past.
Between Earth and Sky: sowing, cereals and well-being on the farm
The last but not least day of our journey, entitled "Between the Earth and the Sky", takes us to live an experience of profound connection with the earth, dedicated to sowing, cereals and well-being on the farm.
It is a day that combines the work of the land with the nourishment of the spirit, concluding our journey in an atmosphere of harmony and serenity.
The morning begins with a special activity, in which children have the opportunity to harvest cereals and learn about the importance of preserving part of the harvest, learning the cultivation techniques that are the basis of our diet. With their hands between the ears, they reap and collect the seeds and observe how the cycle of life takes shape before their eyes. It is a moment of great satisfaction, in which children understand the importance of cereals and the fundamental role they play in our diet.
The day continues with a series of activities related to well-being and relaxation, immersed in the tranquility of the countryside. We move to a quiet corner of the Farm, where we release our creativity and emotions with an open-air music therapy session. Surrounded by nature, under a blue sky and with the scent of the earth around them, we learn to connect with our body and with nature, discovering a profound sensation of balance and harmony with them.
The Importance of Transmitting Emotions and Knowledge to Children
For us it is essential to transmit these emotions, sensations, knowledge and values to children for several reasons. In an era in which we are increasingly distant from nature, it is essential to rediscover direct contact with it. These activities help develop a deep respect and love for the planet, crucial elements for the growth of new generations and for safeguarding our future. Educating young children about sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of biodiversity makes them more aware of their impact on the environment. This awareness will guide them in their future choices, encouraging a more ecological lifestyle. Our activities, both practical and sensorial, offer deeper and more lasting learning. Touching, seeing, smelling and listening to nature allows children to internalize knowledge in a more meaningful way than theoretical learning.
Rediscovering ancient crafts and local agricultural traditions, thanks also to the help of grandparents and their life experiences, allows children to appreciate the history and culture of their territory, thus strengthening the sense of identity and belonging to the community. Outdoor activities, contact with nature and living life on the farm have positive effects on children's physical and mental well-being. Reduced stress, improved mood and development of motor skills are just some of the benefits. The project is based on the idea that gaming is an essential tool for learning, as underlined by the principle of "edutainment", in which fun and education intertwine to create unique educational experiences.
Furthermore, the "The Territory Teaches Us" project aims to improve the quality of life of the community, promoting the conciliation between work and family life, especially the most fragile ones. Thanks to the collaboration with municipal social services and local schools, we offer an integrative service that responds to the educational needs of children in disadvantaged contexts, also involving elderly people in an active aging activity.
Participating in projects like "The Territory Teaches Us" for us means offering children a path of discovery and learning, in which every natural element tells a story and teaches something precious. Projects that we carry out day after day, in the daily life of our small reality located in Massarosa (LU), with sensorial, dynamic and engaging experiences, activities and workshops that increase the love for nature, the awareness of one's potential and the belonging to a community. Our children, our future, deserve to grow up with these experiences that enrich the soul and respect nature.
Discover all the events scheduled at Il Giardino di Manipura Are you ready to live a unique experience in contact with nature? Discover all the events, experiences and workshops we have planned for the year 2024 at Il Giardino di Manipura For info and reservations contact us on 3533433488 or
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