Starbucks’ Farm Initiation

On September 23^rd, 2011, the Starbucks’ organic garden was disclosed in the International Department of the Shanghai Experiment School. Nine Starbucks volunteers, 20 students from SEPS, and Shanghai R&S staff witnessed this moment together. Shanghai Experiment School International Department director Mr. Chen Hui, Starbucks (China) Corp. Global Responsibility Manager Ms. Wang Xuetong, and Shanghai R&S teenage activities center director Ms. Zhong Zhenxi, lifted a red cloth covering the plate that announced the beginning of a cooperative relationship between the three parties.

After the brief disclosure ceremony, we got to work. Today, our task was to mix mud, sow seeds, water the seeds, and mark them. First and foremost, in order for the small on-campus farm to fit “organic” standards, we needed to change the soil in the farm. We laid ten bags of organic soil onto the little farm; the big guys poured soil, the little ones mixed them, and everyone was happily busy.

After mixing the soil, students were divided into small groups and given different types of seeds. We chose plant types that were suitable for sowing in September. Following instructions from the teacher, everyone proceeded with each step very carefully.

While the children were sowing, staff members from Starbucks had already carried up two big buckets of water. The children carefully watered every square of soil. They were all very meticulous when watering, for they knew that seeds could only grow with a sufficient amount of water. The teachers told them that watering a plant for the first time is a crucial step in its growth.

Afterwards, in order for the children to remember what was planted on each square of the soil and distinguish the different growing procedure of vegetation, Starbucks staff labeled each section of the garden. They also brought small gifts to reward the children’s hard work. Afterwards, everyone collected their tools and anticipated the growth of seedlings, as well as the next meeting.

(Translated by WFLMS Crunchy Zoo Language Club)