Ella du Plessis' garden: Cultivating knowledge, growth and sustainability

Ella du Plessis High School implemented their school garden project in November last year to promote sustainable awareness.These gardens are used to teach students about biodiversity, water conservation and the importance of a balanced diet and healthy eating habits.The acting head of the science department and agricultural science teacher Paulina Niilongo said that the school celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. In honour of the big celebration, principal Jakavaza Kavari came up with the idea to plant 60 different fruit trees. These include lemon trees, banana trees, pawpaw trees, and more. According to Niilongo, the fruit garden is called “The Orchard”, saying that the learners along with the school board members and the community, were actively involved in establishing the garden by planting fruit trees. The gardens not only provide fresh produce but also teach valuable skills in farming and entrepreneurship.These gardens serve as an outdoor classroom for the grade 11 and AS students for when they have practicals. Some of the challenges the school faces with the gardens are ants and people from outside stealing the fruits, because the garden is next to the road. Another issue is the excessive amount of weeds.“[However,] the future is bright for the school gardens,” Niilongo said. She added that they are planning to expand the garden project in the future and that the school will start selling fruits and vegetables to the learners and the community.Apart from the fruit garden, the school also has a smaller vegetable garden. The students usually use this garden for their practicals. Some of the vegetables planted include spinach, mielies, butternut and sweet potato.The school gardener, Helao, oversees the two gardens and takes care of it. Helao added that Namibia’s First Lady planted one of the first trees in the garden. “I love what I do and enjoy spending time in the garden,” he said. After all, a garden is never just a garden; it's a story, a labour of love, and a reminder that even the smallest efforts can blossom into something extraordinary.

Ella du Plessis' garden: Cultivating knowledge, growth and sustainability

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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Ella du Plessis' garden: Cultivating knowledge, growth and sustainability

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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