NGOZI, Inc., in partnership with the Harrisburg Department of Parks, Recreation and Enrichment and the mayor’s Health, Wellness and Recreation Initiative, will host Let’s Get Dirty, its first intensive 72-hour certified permaculture design course. The 12 sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, beginning August 4 and ending October 20, at Reservoir Park, in Harrisburg.

Rafiyqa Muhammad, sustainability administrator for the Let’s Get Dirty program, says the nine-week, hands-on training and classroom presentations will be another method in re-skilling the community in health and wellness. Community members, students, teachers and at-risk youth will study urban agriculture, recycling, waste management, land and water conservation and more. Benjamin Weiss, a certified permaculture teacher, designer and an organic farmer from Lancaster County, will facilitate the program.

“We are also seeking sponsorships to support our youth between the ages of 15 and 25,” says Muhammad. “This age group is the most forgotten and is committing most of the crimes in our communities. The cost of re-skilling our youth is much cheaper than incarcerating them. These certified practitioners will be able to start their own green business or live a more sustainable lifestyle. Using this type of program could help reduce unemployment rates, reduce crime, teach new skills and provide valuable information on living a healthier life.”

Cost: $65 per course or $500 for entire program. Deadline for registration is July 14. Location: 19th and Whitehall St., Harrisburg. For application or more information, call 717-343-6881 or email [email protected].