The Agricultural, Food and Veterinary School of Stanak Ozanic, based in the Croatian county of Zadar, has made free training available via an innovative project called Perma-Horti.

As its name suggests, Perma-Horti covers permaculture design – that is, understanding and working with nature to design sustainable systems and habitats – and urban horticulture. The programme was designed to increase the area’s employment levels and is aimed at two target groups: women, and young people of high school age.

The dozens of women who participated in Perma-Horti have each received 150 hours of free training, covering not only practical gardening knowledge but wider employability skills. By the end of their training, they are qualified to work in the relevant industries but also have the extra knowledge, motivation and confidence needed to help them to apply for jobs.