School gardens thriving in Bhutan
Enjoy these great photos from Bhutan teachers Tashi Tenzin, Choki Gyeltshen, Tendel Tshering, and Bartsham Karma Rinzin. Their schools are participating in the Vegetables Go to School project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
The project seeks to address malnutrition, particularly among children, by establishing comprehensive school vegetable garden programs in Bhutan, Nepal, Burkina Faso, and Indonesia. Successful school vegetable gardens aim to:
- achieve better understanding of biological processes and sustainable agricultural practices
- promote environmental awareness
- provide better information about healthy food choices
- promote sanitation and hygiene
- reduce the cost of food and provide a safety net for poor people by giving them the ability to grow their own food
Spinach provides iron and other important nutrients to the diet. Photo by Choki Gyeltshen.
Daikon, or winter radish, grows fast and has a mild flavor children like. Photo by Choki Gyeltshen.
Proud school gardeners display their harvest! Photo by Choki Gyeltshen.
A simple reminder can prevent the spread of disease. Photo by Tashi Tenzin.
Don’t take germs to lunch! Photo by Tashi Tenzin.
Taking notes on crop development in the school garden beds. Photo by Tendel Tshering.
Chickpea sprouts make a nutritious addition to school canteen meals. Photo by Tashi Tenzin.
A tasty, fresh and healthy salad of mungbean sprouts, tomato and red onion. Photo by Tashi Tenzin.
A principal presents students with pencil cases printed with the words “Eat more Vegetables!” in Dzongkha — a quick reminder to enjoy a healthy diet.
