Raffi's Garden
What is
Raffi's Garden
Raffi’s Garden is a special space created in memory of Raffi Arabatyan, who inspired us with his love for nature and healthy living. This garden will serve as a place where students can connect with the outdoors, learn about plants, and explore the natural world. It is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning, providing our children with valuable experiences in natural sciences, cultural studies, and art. Through this space, we honor Raffi’s legacy while cultivating a lifelong love for nature in our students. The garden was established with the generosity of those who donated to KZV in memory of Raffi. In 2024 KZV was awarded the prestigious Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant in support of this program.
About Raffi
Raffi Arabatyan, born on July 4, 2007, touched the lives of everyone who knew him with his resilience, kind heart, and love for nature. Despite battling a brain tumor from a young age, Raffi faced every challenge with grace and courage. His passion for healthy living, the outdoors, and his playful spirit made him an inspiration to us all.
Raffi was a beloved student at KZV Armenian School and Lowell High School, and he was deeply involved in the St. John Armenian Church community, Sunday School, and ACYO. Raffi was also a dedicated Homenetmen athlete and a talented drummer. His life was filled with love for his family, friends, and his favorite animals like seals and sea otters. In his memory, Raffi’s Garden stands as a testament to his love for nature and healthy living, providing a space for future generations to grow, learn, and flourish​.
Our Mission
The mission of Raffi’s Garden is to provide students with opportunities to grow through experiential learning in gardening. Our garden is a living classroom that helps children develop skills in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and healthy eating habits. It integrates various subjects such as science, culture, and art, allowing students to engage in hands-on activities that deepen their understanding of the world around them. Through this space, we aim to empower students to make connections between nature and their daily lives, fostering both academic and personal growth.
Wish List
Your contributions help bring Raffi’s Garden to life! Here are some of the items we are currently seeking to support the program:
-
Kids’ gardening tools (shovels, rakes, etc…)
-
Gloves (women’s and children’s)
-
Handwashing station (repurposed sink)
-
Plant seeds and seedlings
-
Organic soil and compost
-
Outdoor seating and tables
-
Watering cans and buckets
-
Art supplies for garden-related projects
-
Educational books and materials about plants and ecosystems.
-
Built-in compost system for garden waste.
-
Specific plants (trees, shrubs, ornamentals, etc…) that are appropriate to install in the garden.
-
Water collection system (future)