STAGE 1: Problem Identification
Description:
Allan Wilson High School currently does not have a school garden. Students
rely on purchased or donated vegetables for learning and nutrition-related
lessons, limiting hands-on experience and food supply.
Brief Statement of Intent:
To establish the need for a school garden at Allan Wilson and highlight its
educational, nutritional, and environmental benefits.
Main Idea or Topic:
Establishing a sustainable school garden to promote learning and improve
nutrition.
Design Specifications:
- The garden should include common vegetables like tomatoes, leafy greens,
carrots, etc.
- It should be eco-friendly (using compost and recycled water).
- It must be manageable by students and staff.
Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas
How has this problem been solved elsewhere?
Prince Edward School (Harare): Established a vegetable garden to support
school meals.
Advantage: Reduced food costs
- Disadvantage: Needed dedicated maintenance team
2. Mabelreign Girls High: Used a garden for biology lessons.
- Advantage: Hands-on learning improved pass rate
- Disadvantage: Vandalism was an issue
3. St. Peters School (Mbare): Integrated gardening into extracurricular clubs.
- Advantage: Kept students engaged
- Disadvantage: Seasonal limitations affected yield
4. Mutoko High School: Used garden produce to support community feeding
program.
- Advantage: Improved nutrition
- Disadvantage: Water shortages during dry season
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas
Adopted & Modified Solutions:
1. Create a small demo garden run by Science Club
- Strength: Easy to manage and directly linked to learning
- Weakness:Limited variety of crops
2. Integrate gardening into Life Skills lessons
- Strength: Reaches all students
- Weakness: May take time away from core subjects
3. Rainwater harvesting system for irrigation
- Strength:Sustainable water source
- Weakness:Initial setup cost
Stage 4: Proposal (Chosen Solution
School garden maintained by students and teachers using recycled water
and compost
Objectives:
- Improve learning through practical work
- Boost nutrition with fresh produce
- Promote environmental awareness
Resources Needed:
- Gardening tools
- Seeds & seedlings
- Compost bins
- Watering cans/drip system
*Expected Outcomes:*
- Improved science pass rates
- Fresher meals for students
- Cleaner school environment
Stage 5: Presentation of Results
*Presentation Tools:*
- Posters showing garden layout
- Charts of before/after nutrition data
- Photos of students working in demo garden
- Diagrams showing plant growth process
Stage 6: Evaluation
Successes:
- Students showed more interest in biology
- School meals improved slightly
- School grounds became greener
Challenges:*
- Needed more tools
- Rainy seasons delayed planting at times
Way Forward:
- Expand garden size
- Seek NGO or local government support
