Project DISC Emphasize green school yards program

By Abdu Senkubuge School relation person, project DISC

“Here” and “there” in Uganda, forests are cleared for Industry and settlement and our clear question remains where have we left our green environmental site sence we Used to have in the beginning. Yes a solution is at least on the ground; and this can save up to 15 school compounds which have been severely degraded as a result of construction in the school perimeters. This is through an innovative program to replace degraded school yards with fruit trees of different types and varieties which can survive in local conditions. This program is an initiative to make our schools green, nutritious and productive not only to the advantages of the school directors and teachers but also to the soil, birds and all environmental aspects around the schools. “We appreciate the need for expansion of settlement areas as towns are growing but we should also appreciate the advantages of urban green spaces especially if they are made of fruit trees. That’s why I would like to thank the DISC project for teaching our children and teachers to plant and manage fruit trees in our school compounds” the Head teacher for St. Stephen primary school Mr. Kibuuka said. We pledge our full support to all of our schools for this noble cause to save the soil, land water and the atmosphere. The struggle starts with me and you. Just take a look at these children struggling to beautify their school compound at Buiga Sunrise pre School.

We Improve Food Security through School and Community Gardening.

Dear colleagues and members of the same philosophy, for those who may not be aware, the whole world is in a paradoxical situation of food production. For you who have read the 2008 slowfood world report on food and taste education activities know what am talking about. In some places Hunger is rampant and has become a permanent characteristic of some communities in Africa and some South East Asian countries, while obesity is the order of the day in other areas. What matters now is which situation is occurring in your community.

I know that the food crisis Vs the Credit Crunch temperatures are High right now and most of the families are food insecure but kindly allow me to officially and also honestly tell you what I feel can Change the Paradoxical situation which is also a great characteristic of Malnutrition in many parts of the world.

I appreciate the organizers of the great food meetings Such as the TERRA MADRE, and the Sustainable food summit to sensitize the public about basic food and nutrition facts. The Current Generation of young energetic people is able see some thing on the ground and have it done to bring about a positive impact how ever small it may seem to be. It is this very note that am presenting my case on the role of community and school gardens in ensuring food security in our communities. In any area, food remains a very important basic need that can lead to survival or collapse of any community. When things go wrong in the Garden, the whole house hold and hence community is bound to collapse and believe with me that young and energetic human resource in schools and community is the most critical and important asset any country can boast of. When this resource is better put to use, empowered and planned for through practical training, a country can easily be sure of sustainable development. This is also the case for Agriculture and food production. There is a serious need to pull more young, energetic and committed citizens of your area and build their capacity for sustainable food production and economic development. This work is already underway by such voluntary projects like our very own project DISC in Uganda, Project SPROUT in USA, edible school yard and the Kenya Central Rift valley school project and may others around the world. We are working tirelessly to improve the food security status of our communities and the challenge is with us all. You can also make a change by joining a network of such great Projects.