Online Reporter
Nenyasha Musasu
Bore Primary School, Muzarabani
BORE Primary School is benefiting from a one-hectare garden project that is helping to improve learner nutrition, raise money for the school and provide practical learning.
The garden was started at the beginning of the year with the help of parents, teachers and the local Agritex officer.
Learners from Grade Three to Grade Seven take turns to water the garden, weed and harvest vegetables after classes.
School head Mr Maurukira said the garden had improved learners’ lives.
“Before the garden, many children came to school hungry. Now every learner gets a free plate of sadza and vegetables during lunch,” he said.
The garden produces rape, covo, tomatoes, onions, carrots and okra, which are used in the school feeding programme.
Teachers said learners were now more alert in class after receiving supplementary, nutritious meals.
The school also sells extra vegetables to parents and community members every Friday.
The money raised is being used to buy books and repair classroom windows.
The garden is also helping learners understand Agriculture and Science through practical lessons.
Learners are taught about soil, seeds, composting and crop rotation.
“We learn better when we see it with our own hands,” said Genius, a Grade Six pupil.
The project is also teaching learners important life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and growing food at home.
The Ward Agritex Officer, who was the guest of honour at a recent garden harvest day, praised the school for the initiative.
“Bore Primary is now a model school.
“This project teaches food security and self-reliance,” he said.
Some parents have also started their own home gardens after seeing the benefits of the school project.
School Development Committee chairperson Mr Kariza said the garden had brought many benefits to the school.
The project has shown that with hard work and community support, a school can improve learner nutrition while raising money to support its needs.
