By Jack McBrams::
Nestled on the top of a hill in Dedza, Mtemwende Primary School commands a panoramic view of the undulating terrain below.
While the picturesque landscape may be deemed a blessing, the learners and educators at the school understand that the hilly location is a double-edged sword, presenting unique challenges.
Head teacher Green Mbela recounts the recent havoc where ravaging winds forcefully tore off the roofs of two classrooms.
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To compound matters, the school’s elevated position exacerbates water scarcity, compelling learners to make a trek down to the community borehole.
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Despite these adversities, the school has steadfastly embraced the Living School Yard Transformation project, an initiative designed to arm learners, teachers and the community with knowledge and tools to fortify them against the impacts of climate change.
This multifaceted project incorporates a range of components, including the planting of multipurpose trees and species, establishing school vegetable gardens for improved nutrition, landscaping with shrubs, grass and flowers and integrating nutrition education, food preparation, utilization, and processing.
The outcomes of this ambitious endeavour are now evident at Mtemwende Primary School, where sprawling green lawns, an array of blooming flowers, a flourishing forest of trees, and a diverse assortment of fruit trees adorn the once-barren compound.
“We have cultivated two dedicated gardens on the school compound, one for fruits like bananas and the other for vegetables, underscoring our unwavering commitment to the Living School Yard principles,” Mbela says.
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As an integral part of the project, the school health and nutrition teachers and students underwent comprehensive training on diversified and healthy diets.
“To drive the message home, we organized cooking demonstrations, illustrating to learners and community members how to prepare nutritious meals with the resources at their disposal.
“During one of such demonstrations, we crafted a delectable one-pot dish and fritters, designed to appeal to the palates of young children,” Mbela says.
Additionally, Mbela highlights the project’s focus on cultivating vegetables on the school premises.
“One cannot speak of a healthy diet without mentioning vegetables. Thus, we have established a dedicated garden where a variety of vegetables are cultivated.
“The fruit trees, including oranges, bananas, lemons, peaches and guavas, contribute to the six food groups which are vital to the health and growth of children and their success in class,” he adds.
Mbela notes with enthusiasm that most learners have embraced this model, taking the fruit seedlings and planting them in their home.
“Everything we do is geared towards emphasizing the importance of consuming all six food groups,” he adds.
In rural areas like Mtemwende, people often do not buy fruits when purchasing food, hence, the home-grown fruit trees are important to ensure diversified diets at home.
Further, to build resilience against adverse weather events, learners at the school have reforested the school’s compound.
“We recognise that planting trees is integral to protecting the school, as trees act as a natural barrier against strong winds. Also, by introducing flowers and lawns around the school complex, the once-battered school now stands as a green and beautiful testament to nature’s resilience,” says Mbela.
Shadreck Gwacha, a Standard 8 learner and Health Club member, shares about the transformative impact of the project on his life.
“Previously, when I saw fruit trees, I didn’t truly appreciate their value. However, with this project, I now understand the importance of fruits and the benefits of caring for fruit trees.
“I have also learned the significance of maintaining a healthy diet. I have used this knowledge by planting five fruit trees at my house. I now spread this message to everyone in our community,” Shadreck Gwacha.
Tamanda Paskaziyo, another Standard 8 learner and Health Club member, echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the crucial lessons learned from the club.
“During my two years in the club, I’ve realized that for us to maintain good health, we must begin by ensuring a healthy diet,” Tamanda says.
As the Living Schools project, designed by the Ministry of Education with Unicef support, gains momentum, it stands as a pioneering environmental program focused on conserving the environment, particularly in schools and their surrounding communities.
Funded by Unicef Germany, the project strategically empowers school children, teachers, and the community with knowledge and tools to enhance resilience against environmental threats.
The overarching objective of the project is to enrich children’s learning experiences, naturally enhance their school environment, and promote good health and well-being.
As Mtemwende Primary School continues to champion this innovative approach that harmonises health and agriculture, its story becomes an inspiration for other schools and communities alike, illustrating the profound impact achievable through holistic and sustainable initiatives.
