Nestled in Rehoboth, Origo Primary School has transformed its agricultural program into a thriving community enterprise. After six years of cultivation, the school's vegetable gardens are now selling fresh produce directly to residents. Established with support from the Namibia Agronomic Board, the gardens have become a beacon of agricultural education and sustainability.
Agriculture teachers Levy Mbeava and David Mwaala have crafted an innovative approach to vegetable production. Their strategy divides harvest between the school's soup kitchen and community sales. Affordable pricing ranges from N$10 to N$20 per packet, making fresh vegetables accessible to parents, teachers, and local community members. WhatsApp groups facilitate pre-orders, ensuring efficient sales and minimal waste.
Profits from vegetable sales fuel the garden's continued growth. The agricultural committee reinvests earnings into seeds, organic pesticides, fertilizers, and essential gardening tools. A planned school farm shop promises to expand their reach, allowing community members easier access to fresh produce. The initiative goes beyond simple farming, providing students with practical skills in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial management.
Student participants like Acelecim Du Plessis and Benicio Rittmann are enthusiastic about their agricultural experience. They've learned valuable lessons about hard work, cultivation, and the importance of commitment. The garden has sparked career aspirations, with Rittmann dreaming of becoming a horticulturalist and potentially owning a greenhouse in the future.
The Origo Primary School garden represents more than just a vegetable production site. It's a living classroom that teaches students about nature, business, and community support. By selling to local trusts and community members, the school has created a sustainable model of agricultural education that nourishes both bodies and minds. Their success demonstrates the potential of school-based agricultural programs to create meaningful learning experiences and contribute to local food security.
Agriculture teachers Levy Mbeava and David Mwaala have crafted an innovative approach to vegetable production. Their strategy divides harvest between the school's soup kitchen and community sales. Affordable pricing ranges from N$10 to N$20 per packet, making fresh vegetables accessible to parents, teachers, and local community members. WhatsApp groups facilitate pre-orders, ensuring efficient sales and minimal waste.
Profits from vegetable sales fuel the garden's continued growth. The agricultural committee reinvests earnings into seeds, organic pesticides, fertilizers, and essential gardening tools. A planned school farm shop promises to expand their reach, allowing community members easier access to fresh produce. The initiative goes beyond simple farming, providing students with practical skills in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial management.
Student participants like Acelecim Du Plessis and Benicio Rittmann are enthusiastic about their agricultural experience. They've learned valuable lessons about hard work, cultivation, and the importance of commitment. The garden has sparked career aspirations, with Rittmann dreaming of becoming a horticulturalist and potentially owning a greenhouse in the future.
The Origo Primary School garden represents more than just a vegetable production site. It's a living classroom that teaches students about nature, business, and community support. By selling to local trusts and community members, the school has created a sustainable model of agricultural education that nourishes both bodies and minds. Their success demonstrates the potential of school-based agricultural programs to create meaningful learning experiences and contribute to local food security.
