In a proactive step towards enhancing food security and addressing climate change, over 200 learners with special needs at Treeside Special School in Nairobi are set to benefit from a groundbreaking initiative. This exciting project will equip these students with hands-on skills in sustainable food production, a vital component in today’s world.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Treeside Special School and the Green Generation Initiative (GGI), an inspiring youth-led environmental organization. Together, they’re embarking on an innovative journey to create a permaculture learning and feeding garden, complemented by a food forest and a poultry unit that will host 250 chickens dedicated to egg production.
At the helm of this project is Elizabeth Wathuti, a passionate climate activist and the founder of GGI. Wathuti emphasizes the project’s commitment to merging modern farming techniques with indigenous knowledge. This hybrid approach aims to empower learners with practical skills in climate-smart agriculture. “We’ve been working on an exciting project that is especially close to our hearts,” Wathuti expressed, highlighting the project’s significance.
One of the standout features of this initiative is the chicken coop, which is remarkably producing over 6,000 eggs each month. This provides a reliable source of protein for the school’s feeding program. Furthermore, the hydroponic garden, designed to utilize water efficiently, is projected to yield up to 20 kilograms of nutritious vegetables daily at its peak, showcasing a sustainable approach to food production.
This initiative is crucial in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in special needs institutions, providing an inclusive and skills-oriented learning environment. Beyond the immediate educational benefits, the project also promotes income generation, allowing surplus eggs to be sold to help cover operational costs.
Salome, the Head Teacher at Treeside Special School, expressed her gratitude: “We are so grateful; we can’t explain. It is beyond us. Meeting the nutritional needs of our learners has always been difficult due to limited funds. This project has solved that problem.”
One exciting aspect of this initiative is that the Treeside garden has been designated as a Centre of Excellence in climate-smart agriculture. This means it will not only serve the school’s students but also provide learning opportunities for nearby schools, Eco-Clubs, and the broader community.
The launch event brought together an enthusiastic group of stakeholders, including government officials, diplomats, civil society representatives, and key development partners such as Mercy Corps, The Nature Conservancy, and Safaricom Foundation. Their collective effort underlines a commitment to fostering a sustainable future, especially for those with special needs.
As this initiative unfolds, it stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, illustrating how collaboration among various partners can lead to lasting change while empowering the next generation to take an active role in sustainability.
#Kenya #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Education #WorldNews #Lifestyle
