The Tukwatha Youth Organisation (TYO) and National Youth Service (NYS) have collaborated on a project by reviving the school garden of the Green Leaves Primary School in Windhoek’s Okahandja Park informal settlement under the initiative called ‘Blossoming Hope in Every Row’.
The garden, which is crucial for the nutritional well being of pupils through the school feeding programme had fallen into disrepair.
TYO is a vibrant community that is present in all 14 regions, united by a common goal of empowerment, led exclusively by youth leaders. They envision a future where every young person has the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Founded by Hendrina Kudhingililwa, their diverse programmes encompass education, skill development, and community engagement, fostering a holistic approach to personal and societal growth.
Kudhingililwa acknowledged the challenges faced by the school and expressed the determination of the youth to make a positive impact. “As youth, we will try our best to cater to our people, even though it might not be enough. This commitment reflects the collaborative spirit of TYO and NYS in addressing the immediate needs of the school community,” she said.
During the visit, teachers expressed their concerns about the deteriorating garden hindering the provision of nutritious meals to the pupils. The teachers highlighted the impact on the school feeding programme and further emphasised the need for immediate attention to ensure a sustainable source of quality food for students.
The joint effort aims to not only revitalise the school garden but also address the living conditions of the pupils.
The initiative, ‘Blossoming Hope in Every Row’, signifies the organisation’s dedication to fostering positive change within the community, ensuring a brighter future for the pupils of Green Leaves Primary School.
Already incapacitated, the school enrolled about 2 000 learners for the 2023 academic year. The school has been inundated with shortages of equipment like building materials to erect temporary zinc classrooms to accommodate more learners, especially noticing that learning institutions are not allowed to turn learners away.