Guiding more girls into food and fibre careers

Around 100 girls have now earned the Growing The Future – Whakatipu ngā kākano ō Āpōpō badge, which was launched late last year and involves hands-on activities that cover many of Lincoln’s areas of expertise.

These include exploring sustainable farming, food marketing, natural and synthetic fibres, landscape design, pest management, soil science, horticulture, and Māori approaches to the guardianship and protection of land.

Girls have been involved in activities as varied as visiting agricultural organisations, hearing from expert speakers and building lizard gardens during the process of working through the badge.

Lincoln University Student Engagement Manager Jaime Shone says the partnership aims to promote the food and fibre career opportunities available in New Zealand and teach the girls about where their food comes from.

“Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University is really proud to partner with Girl Guiding New Zealand and use our teaching and research expertise to assist in developing the badge,” she says. 

“It’s fantastic to be able to introduce the girls to potential future career paths and teach them about subjects that may not be covered at school. We’re excited to be getting started early on our mission to grow the next generation of land-based leaders.”

GirlGuiding NZ Fund Development Manager Bobbi Oliver says it’s important for more girls to have access to careers in the land, food and fibre sectors.

“The badge helps them find out more about organisations working in this space, so they know what options are out there.

“The hands-on activities are engaging for the girls, and it is great to hear about them getting involved, learning, creating and having fun together while earning their badge.”