(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

hands-on learning

Skeetchestn Stables gives students hands-on experience

Nov 6, 2024 | 8:23 PM

SKEETCHESTN – Wrangling chickens is just one of the lessons being taught at the new ‘Skeetchestn Stables’ that opened this year at Skeetchestn Community School.

“This is just educating children on what’s kind of becoming a lost-but-needed industry,” said Suzanna Fradette, interim barn coordinator at the school.

The on-campus barn is a compilation of years in the making. It acts not only as a home to animals, but as a classroom, laboratory and bridge connecting students to their land and heritage.

“It’s like a good opportunity, I’d say, for everybody,” said Grade 11 student Johnny William. “Everybody in the school gets an idea for what our ancestors did or like, how they did it back then.”

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This innovative approach to education is part of the school’s new ‘On the Land Learning’ facilities.

The program aims to foster a deep connection between youth and their environment, teaching valuable skills in agriculture, animal husbandry and sustainability.

“People have become too far removed from where their food comes from,” said Fradette. “We need more sustainable farmers. There are not enough farmers and ranchers out there to feed the world right now.”

Students learn about the anatomy and nutritional needs for the different animals as well as take part in their care. Skeetchestn Stables is still in its early stages, but the school has plans to expand it’s curriculum to include everything from raising animals to processing food, giving students a new appreciation for farming.