School Gardens:Growing Food, Nurturing Minds & Sowing Seeds of Knowledge

In the heart of the arid and rural landscape of #Kajiado County, Kenya, lies Lositeti Primary & Junior Secondary School. Amidst the challenging arid landscape, a glimmer of hope is taking root. We are excited to share our 6th school garden, as we expand our mission to foster sustainability and empower communities. To achieve this, in partnership with the school's Parents-Teachers Association, we're setting up a 3-acre school garden by providing drought tolerant seeds, drip irrigation system, re-train the agriculture teachers on latest technologies, set up the 4K Club section for the younger learners.

Our Approach: Growing Food, Nurturing Minds & Sowing Seeds of Knowledge

Education and agriculture, two cornerstones of development, converge at Lositeti School. With over 520 eager young minds to nurture, we are embarking on an ambitious project: the establishment of a 3-acre school garden. This initiative aims to teach students the invaluable skills of food production, connecting them with the land and instilling a sense of responsibility towards our planet. The garden will serve as both a training area and a source of sustenance. Students will learn hands-on about agriculture, from planting seeds to harvesting crops. They'll discover the importance of soil health and the wonders of #permaculture and agro-forestry, practices that are not only environmentally sound but also essential for the community's future.

Sustainability Beyond the Classroom

Our vision extends beyond the school gates. We recognize that real change happens when entire communities are engaged. With this in mind, we are committed to training parents, especially the mothers in the Lositeti community, in climate-smart agricultural practices such as agro-forestry, bee keeping and permaculture. This includes understanding the importance of sustainable farming practices that take into account the challenges posed by climate change. This knowledge will not only increase food security but also contribute to sustainable livelihoods.

The food grown in the school garden won't just feed the students; it will also be made available to the local community, ensuring that the benefits ripple outwards.

Abundant Resources

Lositeti School is blessed with an existing borehole, providing access to ample water resources. While there are already water storage tanks in place, we are seeking support to fund a solar pump, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly water supply for the school garden. Additionally, we've tested the soil and are thrilled that parents in the community have pledged to donate goat and cow manure, enriching the soil and ensuring its long-term health and productivity.

Protecting the Harvest

One of our proudest contributions is an elephant repellent, known as GuardIn, developed to protect farmers in areas prone to elephant raids. By donating this innovative solution to Lositeti School, we aim to safeguard their crops and ensure a bountiful harvest.

From Farm to School

Our farm, located just 10 kilometers from the school, allows us to provide immediate support including a learning center where they can benchmark on some activities. During our recent visit, we donated fresh produce, including cabbages, and pledged a percentage of our farm's yield to the school until they can harvest their own crops.

Changing Lives Beyond Agriculture

Lositeti School also houses a Rescue Center, offering a safe haven to 17 girls who have been rescued from early marriages and neglect by their parents. Through education and vocational training, we aim to equip these young girls with the tools to build a better future for themselves.

Our Impact Targets

Through our partnership with UK-Kenya Tech Hub in the #Agri_Linkages pilot project we have identified 2 buyers and a transporter who will make sure that the school gets the best prices. Our goals are ambitious, but they are attainable with your support. We are targeting the cultivation of an acre of each of the following:

• Beans: 10 bags
• Onions: 15,000 tonnes
• Vegetables: 5,000 kgs

With the successful implementation of these agricultural projects, we anticipate a surplus of food in nearly 70% of our schools. This surplus will not go to waste; instead, it will be made available to the local community for purchase, contributing to food security and supporting organized farming practices.

Moreover, this initiative will make farming an attractive prospect for students in the Agriculture Club, potentially offering them opportunities to get first hand experience.

Join Us on this Transformative Journey

We invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we work hand in hand with the Lositeti School community to cultivate change. Together, we will empower students, uplift families, and create a sustainable, prosperous future for all. If you would like to partner with us in any way contact me or send an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp on +254700293031

Stay tuned for updates, stories of progress, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can turn arid landscapes into thriving oases of hope. #Schoolgardens #CultivatingChange #LositetiSchoolProject #SustainableAgriculture