Project Garden

Description

At the moment, all food items, such as fresh vegetables, have to be purchased from the wholesale market (through our shopkeeper). To keep the project sustainable in the long term, the idea is to establish a vegetable garden on the school grounds.

Research shows that the soil in Kenya is highly fertile, without the need for immediate additives or soil improvement. The school owns land, and once the Water Project is completed, there will be sufficient water available to irrigate the plants.

Our goal is to have the vegetable garden fully prepared by September/October, the ideal season for planting young crops. This includes preparing the land, securing the site, and identifying the materials and practical expertise required to establish a sustainable garden.

Needs

• The designated plot of land will be cleared of debris and waste.
• The soil will be dug over and enriched with fertilizer.
• The land will be divided into planting beds for different crops.
• An irrigation system will be installed using water hoses with spray nozzles connected to the water source.
• Purchase and planting of seeds and/or young plants.
• Gardening equipment for cultivating and maintaining the garden, such as spades, rakes, wheelbarrows, and other tools.
• Materials to support plant growth, such as stakes and trellises for crops like tomatoes and beans.
• A detailed garden plan.
  
• Community involvement is essential to the success of the project. We aim to identify a dedicated person to coordinate and manage the garden, helping to ensure its long-term sustainability and creating a sense of shared ownership within the community.

Wishlist

• A facility for organic compost for natural fertility of the soil in the coming years.
• Driplines for irrigation

Current status

The project began in July 2026 with the preparation of small plots of land and the planting of several vegetables to better understand the soil and growing conditions. This initial phase has been made possible through the dedication and effort of Mr. Peter, who has taken the lead in starting the garden.

October 2026: In September, a detailed plan was developed by the experienced specialist, Agriculture Officer Stanley Mwambire. He prepared a budget for the initial establishment of the vegetable garden, including plants, irrigation, materials, and equipment. During the implementation phase, it was decided to temporarily use the five classrooms for the cultivation of maize seedlings, which require a sheltered environment during their early growth stages.

Impact

At this stage, the impact is mainly visible among the teachers and those directly involved in the project, who are enthusiastic about the opportunities the garden could bring to the school.

In the longer term, the vegetable garden is expected to provide fresh produce for the school meal programme, helping to improve nutrition while reducing food costs. It will also contribute to the school’s self-sufficiency and create a practical learning environment where children can learn about gardening, food production, and sustainability.

Financial

Pictures