First VilunVeshi School Garden Inaugurated at Hiriya School

The first school garden established under the VilunVeshi School Garden Programme was officially inaugurated today at Hiriya School, marking an important milestone in promoting climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and environmental education among young learners in the Maldives.

The programme is being implemented through the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security (ECRFS) Project of the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, while the VilunVeshi School Garden Programme is being delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development.

The VilunVeshi School Garden Programme aims to promote hands-on learning on environmental conservation, climate change, and urban agriculture while strengthening students' awareness of nutrition and healthy food choices. The programme also seeks to develop practical life skills through experiential learning and encourage the adoption of climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices among young learners.

Hiriya School's garden, named "Garden of Growth," was officially inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Ali Shareef; Her Excellency the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko and His Excellency Motoo Taki, Resident Representative of the JICA Maldives Office.

In his remarks, the Minister emphasized the need for innovative approaches to food production as the Maldives continues to urbanize, noting that as communities increasingly live in vertical cities, vertical solutions are needed to strengthen local food production. Reflecting on the tradition of home gardens that once provided families with fresh fruits and vegetables, he highlighted the importance of reconnecting younger generations with agriculture. He described the school garden as more than just a garden, but as a valuable learning resource where students can gain practical knowledge, develop an appreciation for sustainable agriculture, and understand the importance of food security and environmental stewardship.

The Minister encouraged teachers to integrate the garden into everyday learning and involve all students, rather than limiting its use to environmental clubs, so that it becomes an engaging and meaningful educational experience. He also urged students to apply the knowledge and skills they acquire through the school garden at home, inspiring their families and contributing to more sustainable and climate-resilient communities.

In her remarks, Her Excellency Ishigami Rumiko, the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, highlighted that the 'Vilunveshi School Garden' program serves as a significant addition in the bilateral relations between the Maldives and Japan. She emphasized that the initiative is a vital contribution to ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing climate resilience and ensuring food security. Furthermore, Her Excellency noted that this project is a key component of the Japanese government’s assistance toward addressing climate change, advancing the education sector, and promoting the overall well-being of the community.

His Excellency the Chief Representative of the JICA Maldives Office, Motoo Taki, highlighted that as a valued member of Team Japan, JICA has been a longstanding partner in the Maldives' development, supporting numerous initiatives across various sectors. These include providing short-term training opportunities in Japan to strengthen local capacity, supporting the development of the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Centre to advance sustainable agriculture, promoting climate action through the installation of solar energy systems in major government buildings and schools in Malé, and engaging Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) in collaborative environmental activities with school environmental clubs.

The Garden of Growth features a combination of vertical growing systems, soil-based cultivation, and hydroponic systems designed to produce leafy vegetables. It also includes a fruit orchard dedicated to cultivating nutrient-rich local fruit varieties. To further enhance sustainability, the garden incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to support irrigation, reducing reliance on desalinated water while promoting efficient water management.

The objective of the ECRFS project is to reduce the vulnerability of Maldivian island communities to climate risks by strengthening both institutional and community capacities. Under Output 3 of the project, which focuses on promoting climate-smart technologies and practices within the agri-food system, the School Garden Program serves as a key activity. The programme will be rolled out to 5 schools across the Maldives during the project period.

The project is funded through a combination of grants, loans, and technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank, the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, the Ocean Resilience Coastal Adaptation Trust Fund, and the Government of Maldives.