Garden Cultivation and Environmental Education Initiative
In parallel with our core programs, we launched the Garden Cultivation and Management Initiative a hands on environmental education program designed to involve both children and women from the community. The objective is twofold: to enhance awareness about sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, and to empower the community to produce its own food as a means of improving dietary diversity and overall health.
This initiative introduced children and women to the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, thereby instilling practical skills and fostering a sense of ownership over local food systems. It also serves as an entry point for broader conversations on food security, climate resilience, and ecological responsibility.
A Vision Rooted in Sustainable Education
As Archana Borthakur aptly puts it-
"We are investing in school children because teaching environmental education at a young age yields a far reaching impact with minimal resources. Children are naturally curious and quick to absorb knowledge and they often bring that knowledge home, influencing their families and communities. They play active roles in household decisions related to the environment and become catalysts for behavioral change. Today’s children will become tomorrow’s parents, passing on what they learn now to the next generation. Teaching cultivation equips them not only with practical life skills but also a deep respect for nature."
Through this gardening initiative, children engage in experiential learning and agricultural practices that build both technical skills and environmental empathy. The program nurtures a personal connection to nature, encouraging them to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors early on.
Transforming Wasteland into a Lifeline
One of the project’s most tangible successes has been the transformation of unused slum wasteland into a thriving vegetable garden. Beyond its educational value, the garden became a critical source of fresh produce during the food insecurity brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Women from the slum community took the lead in managing and maintaining the garden, which not only enhanced local nutrition but also fostered a renewed sense of purpose, community involvement, and resilience.
This program continues to empower marginalized communities with sustainable solutions that improve quality of life one seed at a time.