Hands-on learning has been the leitmotif of Castelli International School’s educational philosophy since its founding 48 years ago. We believe the best way for children to learn is by doing. In today’s fast-paced world, where artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping education, providing students with time away from screens to engage in collaborative, hands-on activities is more important than ever.
We are witnessing a concerning rise in anxiety, depression, and a decline in empathy among young people, which has been linked to increasing social isolation and digital overexposure (Twenge, 2019). At the same time, research shows that fewer young adults are developing manual dexterity and the ability to face practical challenges proactively. One simple and effective method to combat anxiety is gardening, which has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health.
At Castelli International, gardening is more than a recreational activity—it’s a life lesson. Students engage in every step: composting, tilling the soil, removing weeds, planting seeds, watering regularly, and witnessing the transformation as vegetables begin to grow. These small, daily actions instill patience, responsibility, and a deep appreciation for nature’s rhythms.
Gardening also teaches powerful metaphors for life. For instance, when students skip weeding sessions, they quickly see how invasive plants overrun the crops. The lesson? Negative influences can only be kept at bay through consistent, positive effort. Likewise, if plants aren’t watered regularly, they wilt—a reminder that nurturing, in any aspect of life, requires ongoing attention.
Our “From Earth to Table” project enriches this experience by including Food Studies lessons. Students learn the basics of nutrition, food preparation, and the critical connection between what we eat and how we feel. As food education expert Dr. Antonia Demas once said:
“It is important that children learn about healthy eating patterns at an early age so that they can protect their health through diet as they grow older.”
At Castelli, we recognize that school lunches are not just meals, they are opportunities for health education. Back in 2012, we were among the first schools in Italy to introduce a “legume day,” replacing meat once a week with legumes. This small change not only enriches students' diets with plant-based proteins but also helps reduce the school’s environmental impact.
During the 2024–25 school year, our students participated in a fun and informative workshop led by Florencia Zulberti from Tribusana. They learned how to make hummus and explored the concept of “eating the rainbow”—choosing fruits and vegetables of varied colours to ensure a diet rich in vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
Inspired by the colourful “hummus islands” they created, the students requested to have hummus added to their school lunches. We listened, and from this year onward, our menus include a meal with hummus and veggie sticks.
In a world marked by rapid technological change, environmental concerns, and social challenges, giving children opportunities to engage with nature, learn through doing, and develop soft skills is not a luxury—it’s essential. At Castelli International School, we remain committed to nurturing well-rounded, emotionally resilient, and proactive learners—one seed, one lesson, one garden at a time.
