AITC-M Celebrates Significant Funding Support from Manitoba Association of Watersheds

$40,000 multi-year commitment will help educate Manitoba's youth about the importance of agriculture and watershed stewardship

March 14, 2024

AITC-M Celebrates Significant Funding Support from Manitoba Association of Watersheds

Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M) is thrilled to announce a generous funding commitment of $40,000 from the Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW), made on behalf of Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts, over the next three years. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to educate Manitoba's youth about the importance of agriculture and watershed stewardship.

Starting with Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM) in March 2024, AITC-M is introducing the Caring for Our Watersheds resource to hundreds of Manitoba early years classrooms. The resource is designed to engage students in Grades 2 to 4 in meaningful watershed education, including why watersheds are important, what Manitoba farmers are doing to protect them, and what each of us can do to preserve our watersheds for today and future generations.

This initiative reflects our shared vision with MAW for a sustainable future, underscored by a deep respect for our natural resources.

Katharine Cherewyk, Executive Director of AITC-M, says: “Like rivers linking ecosystems, watershed and agriculture knowledge are interconnected, enriching our understanding, and guiding sustainable actions. We are so grateful for the Manitoba Association of Watersheds' support. This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together for the greater good."

Lynda Nicol, Executive Director of MAW, says: "Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts are committed to education and enhancement of watershed literacy within their local communities, and we at MAW are thrilled to have the opportunity to build on that principle province-wide through our partnership with Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba. We recognize that AITC-M is a trusted partner within the educational system, and we are honoured to work alongside them to build watershed resources into their lesson plans.”

Bolstered by MAW’s support, AITC-M is already planning watershed resources and content for middle and senior students. These future offerings will delve deeper into the intersection of agriculture and watershed stewardship, showcasing the proactive measures our agricultural community takes to safeguard our water.

MAW’s funding commitment not only enhances AITC-M's capacity to deliver impactful educational programming, but also serves as an invitation to other organizations to join in supporting the crucial work of teaching our young people about agriculture and environmental stewardship.

For more information on AITC-M's programs and the impact of this partnership, please visit AITC-M's website and the Manitoba Association of Watersheds' website.

About Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M)

AITC-M is committed to fostering connections between Manitoba's youth and agriculture through innovative, educational programs and resources, ensuring a well-informed future generation.

About the Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW)

MAW supports and builds awareness of Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts through communication, education, and advocacy, and supports their program delivery by facilitating access to funding programs and administering research programs.