South Tarawa, Kiribati April 23, 2024 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agricultural Development, and the Ministry of Education, handed over approximately USD165,000 worth of gardening tools, equipment, and seeds to 20 primary schools. These schools are participating in the joint School Garden Program for Climate Smart Agriculture in Kiribati. Funded by the Qatar Fund For Development, the School Garden Program reaches thousands of people across Kiribati.

The handover ceremony was hosted at the parliament maneaba (Traditional Meeting venue), a significant sign of respect and gratitude from the Government and people of Kiribati as the President, H. E Taneti Maamau, and Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senior Officials and GGGI’s representatives came together for this special occasion.

The School Garden Program aims to empower teachers and students to grow healthy and nutritious crops locally to address the ongoing food security challenges Kiribati is facing. The program will deliver a gardening curriculum and support the 20 primary schools by providing the necessary tools, equipment, and seeds to establish gardens. GGGI in collaboration with Agriculture & Livestock Division and Ministry of Education trained 79 teachers on the gardening curriculum. The gardening tools, equipment, and seeds included spades, forks, rakes, knives, hand tools, sylon cloth, water tank, drip irrigation system, food cubes, composting bin, and variety of climate-resilient vegetable seeds.

“Education is not confined to the walls of a classroom; rather, it extends to the very roots of our communities and the soil of our lands. The School Garden Program serves as a powerful vehicle for instilling vital life skills and fostering a deeper connection with our environment among our young learners”, said the Minister for Education Alexander Teabo.

GGGI’s Country Representative for Kiribati, Mr. Norbert Maass stated “the School Garden Program embodies the core principles of green growth, emphasizing the importance of education, sustainability, and community engagement. By providing schools with the necessary tools, GGGI aims to empower students to actively engage in gardening activities, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.”

Following the event, the gardening tools will be distributed to the participating schools. GGGI, ALD and MoE will continue to provide technical advice and support the respective schools to set up their gardens. The School Gardening Program was set up to address food security by promoting sustainable agriculture practices, educating students on nutrition, and fostering community involvement. This initiative enhances food access, teaches valuable skills, and cultivates a sense of responsibility towards the environment and local food production. 

Photos:

Feature Photo: School Leaders at Ceremony

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Photos below: GGGI Country Representative Norbert Maass with Minister for Education Alexander Teabo, GGGI Country Representative Norbert Maass with the Minister of Environment, Lands & Agricultural Development