VilunVeshi School Garden Programme Takes Root in Addu Atoll
A workshop was conducted in Addu Atoll as part of the Vilunveshi School Garden Program, marking a significant step towards fostering climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental education among students. This initiative was organized as part of the activities held in Addu Meedhoo to commemorate World Food Day and National Farmers' Day.
Honourable Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam and representatives from the Meedhoo Council participated in the Opening Ceremony of the Workshop.
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.
A total of 32 participants from schools in Addu Atoll, including Hithadhoo School, took part in the workshop. The workshop focused on developing school-specific sustainability plans to guide the use and maintenance of school gardens. The plans will aim to integrate garden activities into different lessons, maximise participation by students and teachers, and provide opportunities to learn urban agriculture techniques and understand the nutritional value of home-grown produce.
School gardens have already been established at three schools in the Greater Malé Area: Ghaazee School, Hiriya School, and Muhyidheen School. Preparatory work is underway to design gardens that reflect the interests and needs of the participating schools in Addu Atoll. A school garden is also planned for Afeefudhin School in H.Dh. Kulhudhuffushi.
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 6 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.
