FAWEZI has taken a practical and forward-looking step in strengthening school systems by handing over seed packs to 30 project schools (20 in Chitungwiza and 10 in Chipinge) under the RISE Project, supporting the establishment and revitalisation of school-based nutritional gardens. The initiative is designed to improve learner wellbeing, enhance experiential learning, and promote sustainable, school-led resilience strategies.

The seed packs comprising maize, beans, onions, and a variety of leafy vegetables are enabling schools to move beyond theoretical instruction by integrating agriculture into everyday learning processes. This hands-on approach connects classroom knowledge with real-world application, creating meaningful learning experiences for learners across different levels.

Linking Nutrition, Learning, and Wellbeing

The introduction and strengthening of nutritional gardens come at a critical time when many learners face challenges related to food insecurity and inadequate nutrition, which directly impact concentration, attendance, and overall academic performance.

Through supporting schools to establish productive gardens, FAWEZI is contributing to:

Improved nutrition and dietary diversity for learners
Enhanced school feeding initiatives
Better health and wellbeing outcomes

The gardens provide a sustainable source of fresh produce, helping schools supplement feeding programmes and reduce reliance on external food support systems.

Promoting Sustainability and School-Led Resilience

A key strength of the initiative lies in its focus on sustainability and local ownership. Through equipping schools with the initial inputs, FAWEZI is enabling them to establish systems that can be maintained and expanded over time.

Through the handover of seed packs, FAWEZI is planting more than crops, it is cultivating resilience, knowledge, and opportunity. The initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring that schools are not only centres of academic learning but also hubs of wellbeing, innovation, and sustainable development.

As these gardens grow, so too will the capacity of schools to nurture healthier, more empowered learners equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing world.