By: Annakleta Haikera
Nicodemus Tjakula, the Inspector of Education for the Ncuncuni circuit, on Friday urged all schools in the Kavango West Region with access to water to start school gardens.
He highlighted that school gardens are not just a source of food, but also a practical learning tool for learners.
Tjakula encouraged schools to adopt gardening, stating that the program is about more than just gardening; it is about equipping children with life skills that will benefit them and the community.
“Schools that embrace this initiative will help create healthier, more self-sufficient learners,” he said.
During the donation of a 5,000-litre water tank by NAMDIA at Ncaute Primary School, Tjakula explained that the tank would make it much easier for learners to care for the garden.
“It gives them hands-on experience in growing their own food, understanding responsibility, and learning teamwork,” he remarked.
The garden at Ncaute Primary School, which was first established in 2006, has grown over the years into a vital part of the school’s learning environment.
Parents expressed strong support for this initiative.
Petrus Kavara, whose child is in Grade 4, said he’s happy that the school is teaching children how to grow food, stating that this will help families in the long run, and the children will learn valuable skills for their futures.
Helena Simbaranda added that it is important for children to understand the value of hard work, stating that this garden project acts as a way of teaching them discipline, teamwork, and the importance of a healthy environment.
“The school garden has been around since 2006, and it’s amazing to see our children now enjoying and learning from it. I hope more schools will follow this example,” she added. “Gardening is not just about food. It teaches patience, responsibility, and gives children pride in what they achieve. I am glad the school and NAMDIA are supporting this project,” she explained.
Anna Sikongo, a mother of three learners at the school, said, “I like that my children will have access to fresh vegetables at school and learn skills they can use at home. This is very important for our community.” Another parent, Simon Ndala, said, “When children grow their own food, they understand where it comes from and learn to respect it. This garden is teaching lessons that go beyond the classroom.”
NAMDIA’s contribution forms part of a larger regional effort to ensure food security in schools and provide learners with practical, hands-on experiences.
As Kavango West schools embrace gardening, it is expected that the initiative will foster a sense of pride, responsibility, and community involvement among students and parents alike.
