At a glance, it’s just a school garden. But step closer and you’ll see something deeper taking root: teamwork, responsibility and emerging environmental leadership.
When asked, “Do you all do agriculture?” the learners respond with an enthusiastic “Yes!” What began as a small nursery has flourished into a vibrant garden filled with moringa trees, marigolds, sunflowers, onions, tomatoes, pigeon peas and more.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. With teachers and learners juggling classes and holidays, keeping the garden alive has been a challenge. The solution? Shared stewardship. Caretakers and community members stepped in during exam periods and school breaks, tending to the garden under a simple agreement: help with the labour, share in the harvest.
© NNF“It used to be just us. We’re the designated group of learners that regularly checks the garden during break time or after school,” says one of the learners. “But we’ve now involved the community, especially during exam time, to support the garden,” said the teacher responsible for the school’s environmental club.
Harvests have included mielies, beans and tomatoes, prepared and enjoyed by the learners themselves. A standout addition has been the moringa tree, used as a nutritious relish to enhance the school’s otherwise plain diet of soft porridge. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, moringa supports immunity and blood sugar regulation.
Pigeon peas have also been planted, valued not only as food but as part of a circular gardening approach, improving soil health and reducing the need for costly inputs. The plant is known as a “miracle” crop, offering edible peas, leafy mulch and bee-friendly blooms.
© NNFThe garden has become a magnet for learner interest. Watching peers harvest, cook or take photos in the greenery draws others in. But student leaders are clear: commitment matters. “If they’re just here for the benefits,” explained the teacher, “I don’t include them. I work with those who genuinely want to learn.”
That spirit has sparked talk of non-monetary incentives, certificates, testimonials and public recognition, to celebrate student dedication and support their future paths.
Of course, challenges remain: unreliable irrigation, limited time, and the constant need for materials like water pipes and other garden tools. But with creativity and coordination, the garden continues to thrive.
“This isn’t just about farming,” one learner said, “It’s about showing what we can do together.”
Rooted in a schoolyard, this garden is growing confidence, community and tomorrow’s leaders.
Blog by Sunnypo Imalwa, Namibia Nature Foundation.