Hortas como Espaços de Aprendizado: a Importância da Universidade no Fomento da Sustentabilidade

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze two university outreach initiatives that incorporated ecopedagogy, food and nutritional security, and agroecological food production in their activities. Both were carried out in the municipality of Marechal Cândido Rondon, Paraná, and promoted by students and professors from UNIOESTE, in partnership with public agents and the local community. The first reported experience involved the construction of a mandala garden at a municipal educational institution, while the second focused on training courses for the development of home gardens in urban areas. The adopted methodology was based on participatory and interdisciplinary approaches, with practical actions carried out in dialogue with the knowledge and interests of the participants, aiming to foster the development of a subjective concept of sustainability that considers their own realities. As a result, a strengthened relationship between the university and the community was observed, along with the appreciation of agroecological knowledge and the promotion of food autonomy among participants. Additionally, the garden spaces became environments for active learning and collective experimentation. It is concluded that such experiences significantly contribute to local sustainable development by integrating theory and practice and fostering a new ethic that embraces respect for the surrounding world.