L E I S A I N D I A • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 820
“Care farms” combine care of the land with care of
vulnerable people.
Such farms exist in many European
countries.
In the Netherlands, the Kiem care farm has sixty
years’ experience in involving mentally...
More
L E I S A I N D I A • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 820
“Care farms” combine care of the land with care of
vulnerable people.
Such farms exist in many European
countries.
In the Netherlands, the Kiem care farm has sixty
years’ experience in involving mentally disabled people in
agricultural activities.
The farm sells a wide range of
horticultural products, while the participants have found
a worthwhile function in society.
Natasha van Dijk
People with learning difficulties develop
confidence through care farming
I
n the south-east of the Netherlands, where patches of forest
border on idyllic meadows, lies a small farm called the Kiem
(meaning “germination”).
The Kiem is the oldest biodynamic
farm in the Netherlands, and is home and workplace for a
community called Bronlaak.
About 200 adults with learning
difficulties, mental health problems and other special needs live,
learn and work together with a staff of twelve families.
It was
founded in 1948 when parents of children with learni
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