First Lady, Michelle Obama greets member of Youthbuild on the Mall, March 17th 2009.	First Lady, Michelle Obama, plants oregano vegetation in NAFFCCA's Solar Food Production Shell.
Today, over 100 students and graduates from YouthBuild USA programs around the country showed off green building techniques on the Mall and, in a tent next to the building going up, took seminars about green building-related practices. The Mall activities were split between putting up a frame for a 'green' home and a "Green Academy" in a neighboring tent. In the "Academy", YouthBuild members and others had activities related to green building, green-collar jobs, green schools, energy responsibility, and environmental awareness. As a great and truly green example, the National Association of Former Foster Care Children of America had a training space for the Rooftop Sustainable Horticulture Program with a hands-on chance to learn how to plant rooftop gardens which enable urban residents to have their own 'organic' vegetable options (saving money, improving health, and reducing environmental impacts).(Huffington Post)

The Youthbuild Program at the National Association of Former Foster Care Children of America, Inc. (NAFFCCA) has introduced a new and innovative learning experience for the youth enrolled. The goal is to sustain the environment rather than deplete it and through a Solar Food Production Shell youth are learning to live “green”. This display aids in promoting the Horticulture Science curriculum which is being taught to educate the youth about soil, plants and the growth process for vegetation. The curriculum is also designed to further their knowledge about physical, earth and life sciences, math, English, reading, nutrition and the ecological integrity of the environment.

This “environmental green” education not only addresses the academics that are required for the youth to obtain their education, but it also offers them the opportunity to become engaged with the community. This process allows for gainful employment through direct marketing and produce. Relationships, budgeting and other life skills training allows students to establish linkages with community organizations such as; hospitals, schools, prisons, senior citizens centers, universities, etc. Green living and the creation of value added products from raw produce is another component by which the youth are saving money while helping the environment.

Youth continue to receive training in carpentry skills by building the Solar Food Production Shell where the vegetation is grown. The program’s success rate has been based upon the increase in students’ motivation and eagerness to learn; thus resulting in improved basic math and reading skills. Students continue to work toward obtaining their GED while in Youthbuild. Upon successful completion of the Horticulture Science Program, students are referred to the University of the District of Columbia Cooperative Extension Program where the goal is to obtain a degree in Urban Agriculture.

Mchezaji Axum, Agronomist (science of using crop & soil science for food, feed or fiber production)
Director
202 291-1603