Wodonga Institute of TAFE’s ‘Growing Belonging’ project created an inclusive community garden learning environment for English language students, connecting language development with sustainability, wellbeing and community participation. Designed for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, including students from refugee backgrounds, the project moved learning beyond the classroom into a hands-on outdoor space where communication could develop naturally through shared tasks.

Co-designed by the Environmental Strategic Project Lead and English Language educators, the garden enabled 42 students to contribute to planting decisions, composting, worm farming, food growing, watering, harvesting and garden care. Learners used English in authentic, low-pressure settings while drawing on their own cultural knowledge, agricultural experience and lived expertise.

The project operated on a modest budget, using recycled materials, local partnerships and circular economy practices. It produced approximately 120kg of food for FoodShare, created a worm farm using cafeteria waste and repurposed materials, and strengthened students’ confidence, belonging, sustainability skills and connection to local community networks.