On December 10, School #38 in Devashtich District, Sughd Region, will host an award ceremony for the winners of the first school vegetable garden competition in Tajikistan's School Feeding Programme. “Green garden: our way to a healthy future” initiative brought together schools, parents, students, and the local community. It promoted healthy eating, environmental education, and sustainable development of the School Feeding Programme.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI) received 33 applications, with 12 making it to the final. Eight schools submitted all the required documents and presented their projects.
School No. 14 of Spitamen district won the "Best School Garden" award, while School No. 38 of Devashtich district won the "Best School Greenhouse" award. The winners get 10,000 somoni each. School #3 in Gornyi Mastchoh district won second place for the best school greenhouse. School #22 in Istaravshan district won second place for the best school garden. These schools get $5,000 each. The grants will help the schools expand and improve their gardens.
School vegetable gardens are more than flowerbeds. They are miniature ecosystems that teach children to take care of nature, organic farming, and healthy eating.
Winners will present their projects at the ceremony
The schools also have beds with themes where students learn to grow vegetables using organic methods. They also have harvest festivals with parents and teachers.
Speeches and inspiration at the ceremony
WFP, regional education department, and Russian Consulate in Sughd will speak. The celebration will end with prizes, inspiring presentations by the winners, and a buffet with school harvest dishes.
A step towards a great future
This is the first contest, but not the last. The organizers plan to make it an annual event and include more schools. Vladimir Chernigov, President of the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI), says, "This contest helps schools improve their meals and gardens. It also teaches students to care about our planet."
Congratulations to the winners and participants! Your projects show that school gardens are more than plants. They are places where ideas, dreams, and children grow.