Every morning, students at School No. 14 in Spitamen hurry to attend their lessons. Alongside math and language classes, their schedule includes something special — time in the school garden where magic comes to life among rows of herbs and neatly arranged beds. This garden is more than just a patch of land; it’s a source of inspiration and pride because it was recognized as the winner of Tajikistan’s first-ever Best School Mini Garden competition.
How it all began
The idea was simple yet powerful: bring schools together around the theme “Green Gardens: Our Path to a Healthy Future.” The competition encouraged schools to transform their plots into small oases using organic farming principles. However, this initiative was about more than just growing crops. It aimed to engage students, parents, and teachers in a collective effort.
The competition brought together 33 schools nationwide, including the Khatlon and Sughd regions and the Districts of Republican Subordination. Schools competed in two main categories: Best School Mini Garden and Best School Greenhouse. Each school submitted projects that highlighted their use of organic farming methods.
In the first round, a jury made up of education and agriculture experts shortlisted 12 schools for the finals. Selection criteria included the organization of the school farm, student involvement, and creativity.
First step toward a dream
Among others, School No. 14 in Spitamen decided to participate in the competition. The headmaster, teachers, and students joined efforts to create a garden that would set an example for the entire country. They cleared the land, prepared the planting beds, and selected the best crops for cultivation. Everyone was involved: parents brought tools, high school students handled layout planning, and younger children happily watered the seedlings.
Another standout participant was School No. 38 in Devashtich District, which focused on its greenhouse. Despite challenging climate conditions, the school successfully grew a variety of vegetables. Each school met the competition’s requirements and demonstrated remarkable creativity, inspiring children with every new sprout.
Long-awaited victory
On November 27, the jury convened in Dushanbe to announce the winners:
Best School Mini Garden: First place went to School No. 14 in Spitamen District, scoring 26.7 out of 30 points.
Best School Greenhouse: First place was awarded to School No. 38 in Devashtich District, with a score of 26.8 points.
School No. 22 from the Istaravshan District claimed second place in the Best School Mini Garden nomination while School No. 3 from the Mountainous Mastchoh District was the runner-up in the Best School Greenhouse category. These schools received grants of 5,000 somoni each, while the top winners were awarded 10,000 somoni in their respective categories.
A day to remember
The awards ceremony was graciously hosted by School No. 38 in the Devashtich District. Students and staff welcomed guests with warmth and hospitality. Upon arrival, visitors were invited to tour the school’s greenhouse. School headmaster Zarifa Nuriddinova shared insights into the greenhouse operations, including planting schedules and the variety of crops grown.
“Every plant you see here is the result of the hard work of our students, teachers, and parents. We strive to help children understand that caring for the earth means caring for the future,” she emphasized. The greenhouse manager elaborated on how the harvest is distributed: a substantial portion is used in the canteen to improve school meals, while the remainder is sold to fund the purchase of seeds and fertilizers. Depending on the season, some produce is preserved or donated to families in need.
After the tour, attendees visited a fair where participating schools showcased the results of their labor. Fresh vegetables were displayed alongside photos featuring students' achievements.
Guests were then invited to the school canteen, where they could see how homegrown vegetables were incorporated into nutritious meals. “Our children are proud to eat what they’ve grown themselves,” one teacher shared. “Seeing the results of their efforts motivates them.”
The highlight of the day was the formal awards ceremony held in the assembly hall. In her opening remarks, Sabrina Azizova, a specialist from the Devashtich District Education Department, underscored the competition's significance for improving education and nutrition. Organizers and honorary guests also addressed the audience.
Maxim Kobzar, Consul of the Russian Federation in Tajikistan, said: “It’s truly heartening to see the progress achieved. I was here in 2020 for the greenhouse’s inauguration, and today, I am happy to witness how efficiently it’s being operated and how much it benefits the school. As the headmaster mentioned, the greenhouse fully meets the school’s needs in school meals, which is an outstanding achievement. I would like to thank the competition’s organizers and participants. Initiatives like these help schools develop and inspire the children and teaching staff. Thank you all for your incredible work!”
Headmaster Zarifa Nuriddinova took the stage to recount the school’s journey in the competition and the positive impact it had on the educational process.
“The competition was incredibly inspiring, not only for me as a school headmaster but for everyone involved — children and teachers alike. Every day, students eagerly asked their teachers to visit the greenhouse, check on the radishes, remove weeds, or harvest crops. For them, this process became an adventure spurred by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge,” she shared.
She emphasized that primary school teachers integrated the competition into their curricula. During this period, several classroom hours were dedicated to the theme of school gardens. Students wrote essays and created drawings on topics like “The Best School Garden/Orchard/Greenhouse Through My Eyes.” They visited the school greenhouse, comparing its crops with those from their home gardens, asking questions, and showing genuine interest in plant cultivation.
“We watch our students become more active, observant, and confident in expressing their thoughts. The competition gave them a chance not only to learn about agriculture but also to unleash their creativity,” she added.
To conclude, Nuriddinova thanked the competition organizers for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in fostering respect for labor, nature, and the world around us.
Other school headmasters, including Sevara Mukhammadieva of School No. 22 in Istaravshan, Pulot Yuldoshev of School No. 14 in Spitamen, and Mirzakamol Sharifov of School No. 3 in the remote Mountainous Mastchoh District, also presented their achievements
The schools received their well-deserved prizes. A special moment came when young Rahimbek Khakimov, a primary school student from School No. 20 in Devashtich District, was honored with a commemorative gift for his model titled “The School Garden of My Dreams.”
The celebration concluded with student performances featuring songs, skits, and poems dedicated to nature and work. As applause burst out, the children’s smiles lit up the room.
This day once again reminded of the importance of investing in initiatives that yield not only a bountiful harvest but also joy, knowledge, and inspiration.
The competition has transformed participating schools. Students have learned to value hard work, care for the environment, and understand the importance of healthy eating. Meanwhile, the school gardens and greenhouses have become workshops for knowledge and creativity.