The Real Group are developing Project Greenhouse, a program to assist disengaged youths who are not in education or employment to learn about horticulture. This program is designed to impart practical skills that are transferrable into other areas (including employment, study or home life) and to allow participants to experience for themselves the positive benefits of participating in employment and learning new skills.

Participants will gain practical skills in the production and harvesting of produce – including fresh herbs, tomatoes and lettuce­ – that will be used in local cafes, restaurants and coffee shops.

Project Greenhouse provides youth with the opportunity to sample working in the horticultural industry, with possible pathways into further education and or employment.

As a social farming program, Project Greenhouse also offers benefits to the youth participants beyond physical hands-on experience, including personal development skills and improved mental health.

The aims of Project Greenhouse are for participants to begin learning and displaying adult behaviours, gain independence, learn a lifelong skill, increase their employment prospects and increase their sense of confidence and self-worth.

Project Greenhouse will be managed by a Project Manager and mentors who are suitably experienced and qualified in working with extremely disadvantaged youth.