Muhyiddin School Reviews Sustainability Plan to Strengthen Use of VilunVeshi School Garden
A working session was held at Muhyiddin School to review and refine the VilunVeshi School Garden Sustainability Plan. The session focused on ensuring the continued use and maintenance of the garden and integrating garden-based activities into classroom learning.
The session opened with a ceremony attended by the Deputy Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Mr Mohamed Moosa, as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, the Deputy Minister highlighted that the programme aims to equip students and teachers with practical skills in modern agricultural techniques suited to densely populated, land-scarce areas. It also encourages constructive school activities and promotes healthy lifestyles through the consumption of fresh, nutritious, chemical-free produce grown by students themselves.
A total of 19 participants, including students and teachers, took part in the working session. Discussions focused on refining the sustainability plan to guide the long-term use and maintenance of the garden. The plan aims to encourage greater participation by students and teachers, integrate garden activities into different subjects, and provide opportunities to learn urban agriculture techniques and the nutritional value of home-grown produce.
The VilunVeshi School Garden Programme promotes hands-on learning in environmental conservation, climate change, and urban agriculture. It also seeks to strengthen students' awareness of nutrition and healthy food choices while developing practical skills and encouraging climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.
The programme has established school gardens at three schools in the Greater Malé Area: Ghaazee School, Hiriya School, and Muhyiddin School. Preparatory work is underway to develop gardens at Seenu Atoll School and Hithadhoo School in Addu Atoll. A garden is also planned for Afeefudhin School in H.Dh. Kulhudhuffushi.
The VilunVeshi School Garden Programme is implemented under Output 3 of the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security (ECRFS) Project, which focuses on promoting climate-smart technologies and practices in the agri-food system. The programme aims to establish school gardens in six schools across the Maldives during the project period.
The ECRFS Project is implemented by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources. The VilunVeshi School Garden Programme is delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development.
The ECRFS Project aims to reduce the vulnerability of Maldivian island communities to climate risks by strengthening institutional and community capacities. It supports nature-based solutions to address flooding and storm surges, climate-smart technologies in agriculture and food systems, and businesses and services that contribute to climate preparedness and agricultural development.
The project receives 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.
