For over 20 years, A Taste of Paradise Farm has been mentoring vulnerable young people in life skills and practical farming skills. This year we have been running Information Open Mornings for the many care organisations that have young people suitable for our programs, so they can gain a better understanding of what we are able to provide. Any organisations that care for young people are welcome to join one of our mornings to discover more about the programs that we offer and how these can be of benefit to any of the young people they place into programs.
We offer an introductory talk about our aims for the young people and then a short tour of the lower part of our farm where groups can see the chickens and other poultry, guarded by our faithful Maremma dogs, and the incubation and egg packing area. We also view the horticulture area, with the garden beds, hot house and potting shed. There is an opportunity to ask questions about how we engage young people in enjoying life and education while also imparting life skills and teaching practical farming skills.
All our mentors have Working with Children Checks and Police Checks and have experience and/or training in mentoring to vulnerable young people. We add to their training with Professional Development opportunities, such as Trauma Informed Care, and they keep up their qualifications in such things as Safe Spaces and First Aid. We also add in additional farm skills training which the mentors can pass on to our young people.
We have already conducted several successful Community Care Information Open Mornings, although some have had to be postponed due to lockdown conditions. Contact us if your organisation would like to join us in the future. Unfortunately, our regular Open Mornings for people from the community have not yet restarted.