DIG FOR SUSTAINABILITY

The Cambridge based Global Collective set up a project to explore how their wartime heritage relates to current concerns about sustainability and climate change. The project based at Harambee Centre in Cambridge worked with a core group of 30 young people to discover how the World War II 'Dig for Victory' campaign could influence current day practice.

Young people aged 13-20, came together to find out about their local history. They worked with older people in their community to discover more about the 'Dig for Victory' campaign and to learn about experiences in Cambridgeshire during World War II. The group learnt about current waste and recycling services by visiting Donarbon Waste Management facility. They also visited the Royal Parks in London to find out about current sustainability practices. The young people took this learning along with their concern around the global issues of climate change and sustainability and embarked on practical action. Throughout 2009 the young people set up their own 'Dig for Sustainability' garden at a local site in Cambridge. They were rewarded for all their hard work with a bumper crop of tasty vegetables. Through the practical application of their learning the young people were able to connect their lives to the past and future and realise the link between local and global issues.

Cambridgeshire Global Collective decided to make a DVD of the project enabling them to learn from the past and educate others. During the project the Global Collective set up interviews, filmed the young people in action and documented visits. The Global Collective worked with a film-maker to produce an educational DVD that has subsequently been used in local schools. "The Global Collective are passionate about global issues and climate change. Making a documentary seemed like the perfect way to explore how to live efficiently and with consideration for the planet" (Global Collective member)

For more information and to see the film go to www.harambeecentre.org.uk/