Nurturing Nature and Minds: The Inspiring Story of Orkolili Primary School’s Green Initiative

In the heart of a community where the soil is too swampy for most trees to flourish, a small oasis of greenery thrives at Orkolili Primary School, Tanzania. This transformation is not just a testament to environmental conservation but also an inspiring story of how young minds can spearhead meaningful change.

At the core of this initiative is the Wezesha Vijana Club, a group of dedicated students who saw the potential to turn their barren schoolyard into a verdant haven. Driven by the desire for shade during their breaks and the opportunity to sell vegetables to their community, these young environmentalists have redefined what it means to be resourceful and community-oriented. With support from Asante Africa’s Wezesha Vijana program, where these students learn about confidence building, goal setting, health, and financial literacy, their garden vision became a reality.

Every week, before the school assembly, students from the Wezesha Vijana Club arrive early, carrying water in three to five-liter containers. This ritual, though labor intensive, reflects the students’ commitment to nurturing their plants. These efforts ensure that their trees and vegetables flourish while instilling a sense of responsibility and pride among the students.

This accomplishment has not been without  challenges. One significant issue was the damage caused to plants by other students playing and accidentally falling on them. To protect the garden, the club ingeniously repurposed old car tires and stones to create protective barriers around the plants. This solution has significantly reduced the damage, particularly from those playing football nearby, demonstrating the students’ problem-solving skills and determination.

With the guidance and support of their club teacher Mr. Zablon, the Wezesha Vijana members recently celebrated their achievement on planting vegetables, reveling in the success of their green endeavors. This celebration was a true reflection of their hard work as they enjoyed the shaded areas they had created and the fruits (and vegetables) of their Labor.

The dedication to their green project extends beyond the regular school term. During holidays, the club teacher ensures that other students, particularly those in standard seven who come to school for revision, participate in taking care of the plants. This sustained effort highlights the collective responsibility and continuous engagement of the school community in preserving their environment.

The success of this initiative has been bolstered by the support of Asante Africa Foundation, which has provided fundamental skills through the Wezesha Vijana program. One particularly impactful module, “My Diet,” has educated students on the importance of gardening and nutrition. This knowledge has empowered them to make informed decisions about their health and sustainability practices.

The story of Orkolili Primary School is a shining example of how environmental education and practical action can go hand in hand. As the trees grow taller and the vegetable plots yield more produce, the students and teachers at Orkolili are not just enriching their immediate environment but also setting a powerful example for their community. Their initiative proves that with determination, creativity, and a bit of support, even the most challenging environments can be transformed into thriving, green spaces.

Orkolili Primary School stands as a beacon of hope, showing that the roots of change often start small but can grow to create a canopy of positive impact. As these young environmentalists continue their journey, they remind us all of the power of collective action and the importance of nurturing both nature and young minds.

Written by:  Magdalena Leonard