WORKING WITH PARTERS: World Food Programme Partnership

TEACHING STUDENTS GARDENING

English teacher Marie Jeanne peers out from a gaggle of students. “This is a rural area, so some people don’t understand the importance of vegetables, and many children have stunted growth,” she says, “so we educate them.” Across the path, beet plants are peeking through the soil of the Gisovu Primary School gardens.

We trained Marie Jeanne in partnership with the UN World Food Programme. Now, she’s in charge of the primary school’s gardening competition. “We created a competition between classes to increase the students’ skills. Each class is trying to make a better garden than the others, and in the process they learn.”

The best part, though, is that the students’ newfound knowledge makes its way back home. “When the students cultivate a garden here, they take those skills and start another garden at home. Then, the parents are also learning from their students. I go check on families to see if they’ve created a garden, and I find a spirit for growing veggies and cooking balanced meals.”

“I have a dream for my students,” Marie Jeanne reflects, “that we’ll implement gardens in each of their homes and improve the lives of many children. And I’ll achieve that goal!”

“I learned how to make a balanced meal and that vegetables protect you from getting sick. It’s important to stay healthy so that we can grow mentally and physically. I also learned that I should wash my hands before cooking or eating, since that also prevents diseases.” -Sandrine, Student at Nyabimata School

“I always get involved in school activities because I am committed. I work with teachers and students in order for this school to achieve success. A teacher never gives up. One day, a few people understand what you teach. The next day, you get two more. The next day, you find yourself having ten people. That’s how it works.” -Vestine, Kibangu Primary School Parent Committee Member

“I learned how to grow vegetables, provide a balanced diet to my children, and cook a balanced meal using One Pot, One Hour. With our garden, we will always have a balanced diet. I want to expand and grow vegetables down in the valley. My family will no longer experience hunger and malnutrition.” -Deborah, Mother of five students in Karongi District