Every day, it becomes clearer that we must begin taking ownership in making sure we have the skills necessary to do things on our own, rather than buying them from someone or hiring someone to do things for us. One of the most common requests for programming at the Graves County Cooperative Extension Office revolves around learning hands-on skills rather than just attending lectures. In order to meet these needs and requests, the Graves County ANR agent has made an effort to incorporate programs that don't just impart education but also useful skills that can be applied in many different instances. One of these programs was a workshop building small herb boxes that taught participants how to use power tools like drills and mitre saws, but also how to use these boxes to grow herbs and/or flowers. 

This program was originally planned for adults, but the ANR agent and the 4-H agent teamed together to make it available for children as well. The morning program for children had 5 children and 3 adults in attendance, and the evening program for adults had 10 participants, 9 of whom were women. When asked, all but 2 of the participants had never used a drill, mitre saw, speed squares, or staple gun. With guidance and encouragement from the agents, all participants were able to build and plant an herb box to take home. One of the children stained and painted theirs and entered it into the county fair, winning that division. 

This workshop was more than just making planters. It provided useful skills that build confidence and self-sufficiency. In a controlled environment, participants were taught how to safely handle hand and power tools, measure and cut materials, and create a useful product for their homes. The children gained early exposure to basic carpentry skills, and women were given confidence to be able to perform simple tasks using hand tools and DIY projects that they felt were too difficult previously. Each participant not only left with a box, but was also given soil and herbs to start growing things right away. 

At the end of the workshop, all participants were amazed and proud that they were able to build something on their own and expressed how confident they felt now to be able to create simple things at home. This is a clear example of how incorporating practical skills and hands-on education can strengthen self-reliance, new skills, and create new confidence in not only younger generations, but older generations as well.