artner Organisation: Animal Welfare and Environment Network for Tanzania (AWENET)
Country: Tanzania
The AWENET is working to introduce school gardens at 12 primary and secondary schools, each with between 300 and 900 students. Agriculture expert Nathan Leonard teaches classes at the school, provides seeds and materials, and transforms the existing gardens into school vegetable gardens. Training is also provided in sustainable agriculture and how to grow and save open-pollinated seeds for use next season.
In the past, most schools stopped teaching sustainable farming methods, and the surrounding gardens were converted into flower or shrub gardens due to cost and maintenance. It is crucial that students gain the knowledge and experience to grow vegetables sustainably and with the best chance of success.
Cooking classes: At the end of the growing season, students also receive lessons from a dietitian who provides information on hygiene, health, and a balanced, complete diet. They also cook and eat together. This encourages students to continue working on this themselves.
