by Angharad Evans, Welsh Editor
We’re in the middle of another lockdown, and our schools have been closed since before Christmas, but what is the reality of the daily running of a busy farm and trying to ensure that the children's education does not suffer? Cornel Clecs gained an insight into the busy life of Anwen Hughes, Chair of the Union’s Agricultural Education and Training Committee:
What does the countryside teach children?
The countryside teaches children responsibilities, to look after the countryside, the environment and nature. It is also an opportunity to learn about the cycle of life, and how to respect animals.
Would you like to see more agriculture taught within the education curriculum?
Yes, because it is important that children learn and understand where their food comes from and how to eat healthily. It is also important that children today understand the work that farmers do to conserve and maintain the countryside.
How have you coped with farming every day as well as home-schooling?
I would be lying if I said it’s been easy, even though my son is fourteen and I’m very lucky that I only have one out of the four in school now. I would also be lying if I said it’s been easy to get my son to sit in front of the computer instead of looking out through the window and watching me at working on the tractor.
I have tried to help my son with his school work, but as it's been a few years since I was at school, the way I learnt has completely changed since I was there.
There are some days where I feel like a clown trying to juggle farm work, housework, paperwork and making sure that my son sits in front of the computer doing his work instead of playing Farming Simulator.
But we must remember, it is not easy for children at the moment as they’re used to be in a room full of friends with teachers to teach and help them.
I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the teachers, as teaching is not an easy job.
No doubt we are all now looking forward to getting our children back to school, and instead of shouting at them to do their work in front of the computer, we will be shouting to get them out of bed and to wear their school uniform and try to be out of the house before 8 to catch the bus or get them to school by 9.