Learning & Growing Together: Cultivating Community and Well-Being at the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence

Learning & Growing Together: Cultivating Community and Well-Being at the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence

Yesterday marked the exciting launch of our 8-week Learning & Growing Together gardening course at the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence. This transformative program is designed to equip participants with practical gardening skills while fostering a strong sense of community and enhancing mental and emotional well-being through a deeper connection with nature.

We were privileged to host this event, run by the excellent Katrina from Frock n Wellies in collaboration with the One Seed Forward charity. Their expertise and passion for gardening have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life.

Week 1: Garden Design

The first session focused on garden design. Participants were warmly welcomed and enjoyed refreshments before Katrina led an engaging session to assess everyone’s level of gardening experience. This interactive approach ensured that the course could be tailored to meet the needs of all participants, from novices to seasoned gardeners.

Following the introductions, Katrina guided the group on an insightful walk around our beautiful site. She pointed out key aspects to consider when designing a garden, such as sunlight exposure, soil types, and landscape features. This practical exploration allowed participants to visualize the potential of the space and understand how to apply these principles in their own gardens.

Back in the workshop, everyone had the opportunity to work on their individual garden designs. The room buzzed with creativity as ideas flowed onto paper. Participants then shared their designs with the group, sparking discussions and inspiring one another. Drawing on these collective insights, the group took another walk around the site to collaboratively plan for the next session, where they will begin preparing the ground for planting.

The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and a shared sense of purpose. Many participants remarked on how much they had learned in just one session and expressed excitement about the numerous possibilities the space offers. The experience ignited their imagination for projects they could undertake at home, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the course.

Our Commitment to Adding Value to Society

This course is generously funded by the Scottish Government’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults, and we are deeply grateful to Katrina of Frock n Wellies and the One Seed Forward charity for inviting us to host this course. At the Mohanji Foundation, we are committed to adding value to society by creating opportunities that promote personal growth, community engagement, and holistic well-being.

Our mission is to establish spaces where individuals can come together to learn, share, and grow. The Mohanji Centre of Benevolence in Aberdeenshire is a manifestation of Mohanji’s vision to create a sanctuary where people from all walks of life can benefit from programs that nurture the body, mind, and soul.

By hosting initiatives like the Learning & Growing Together gardening course, we aim to:

• Empower Individuals: Providing practical skills that enable self-sufficiency and confidence.
• Foster Community: Bringing people together to build relationships and support networks.
• Promote Well-Being: Encouraging activities that enhance mental and emotional health through connection with nature.
• Inspire Sustainable Practices: Advocating for environmental stewardship and sustainable living.

We believe that when individuals thrive, communities flourish. This course is just one of the many ways we strive to make a positive impact. We are excited to see the growth—both literal and figurative—that will unfold over the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead

We eagerly anticipate the next session, where participants will roll up their sleeves and begin preparing the ground for planting. The journey of learning and growing together has only just begun, and we are thrilled to be part of this transformative experience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved—participants, partners, and supporters—for making this initiative possible. Together, we are cultivating more than gardens; we are nurturing a community rooted in compassion, learning, and shared purpose.

At the Mohanji Foundation, we remain dedicated to our broader charitable goals of adding value to society and creating spaces that benefit all. Through programs like this, we continue to build a community centered on benevolence, growth, and unity.