Local Learned Experienced Gardener (Trainer)

Estimated duration:12 months

Place where the services are to be delivered: SOS Children´s Villages in Alexandria

Purpose of hiring:

SOS Children’s Villages Egypt wishes to employ a local learned experienced gardener (academic or non-academic) to teach children and youth the skills of establishing and maintaining a fruit and vegetable garden, as well as, plant propagation.

SOS Egypt believes that strengthening a child’s connection to the earth and the surrounding environment leads to a healthy and balanced life.

The educational garden is an exciting tool to understand and experience hands-on the importance of healthy food production and healthy consumption.

This tool might also positively influence the future choice of the youth´s vocational path.

Scope of Trainer´s Work:

Scope of Trainer’s Gardening Works:

The Trainer will introduce the SOS children and youth to sustainable and natural gardening as well as agricultural management.

He/she will set up an educational garden together with the children and youth in order to ensure their acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills.

He/she will apply agro-ecological principles and techniques, for example methods of permaculture, environmentally responsible irrigation, and use of biocides (biological insecticides).

He/she will pass by the project as much as necessary (a minimum of once a week) to check on the project´s progress.

The Trainer will focus on developing the following skills in the children and youth:

• horticulture understanding
• garden management skills
• composting methods
• propagation of plants from seeds and cuttings
• planting and cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables
• handling pests and diseases with appropriate measures
• healthy seasonal harvests

Scope of Trainer’s Administrative Works:

• Draw up a plan of the educational garden
• Prepare a plant selection with cost estimates.
• Make a list of required gardening tools and materials with cost estimates.
• Refer to the National Director in case of unexpected difficulties, presenting possible solutions.
• Monitor the learning progress of the children and youth
• Monitor the project´s success including budget tracking.
• Provide monthly progress reports including photos to the national office of SOS Egypt and to NSa (Project Manager / CPM).

Other works:

With the help of SOS Mothers and Aunts:

• Converting the harvests into healthy meals
• Sharing healthy meals during social events
• Celebrating the children´s and youths’ achievements
• Disseminating the knowledge and skills by conducting visits to other SOS villages and nearby schools.

Additional qualifications:

• Knowledge of English is preferable
• Knowledge of botanical Latin names of plants.
• At least seven years of proven experience in gardening
• Is a good team player and talented with children
• Respectful of child safety measures and guidelines

Required documentation for submission.

• CV including a portfolio of work.