The Green Schools Project
Year of Implementation: 2024
Background
Quality education is a fundamental human right and a powerful catalyst for breaking cycles of poverty, reducing inequality, and fostering inclusive societal development. When children and young people are equipped with relevant knowledge, life skills, and supportive learning environments, they are better positioned to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Despite its importance, many schools in the Northern Ghana continue to face persistent and interconnected challenges that undermine learning outcomes. These include inadequate teaching and learning resources, unsafe and unconducive school environments, low teacher motivation, and limited parental and community engagement in education. Together, these gaps negatively affect student retention, wellbeing, and overall academic performance, particularly for girls and vulnerable learners.
Strategy
To help address these challenges in our operational areas, Savana Signatures, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES), launched the School Gardening Initiative under the Green Schools Project. This initiative is active in selected schools within the Karaga and Sagnarigu districts. As part of the project, we trained teachers in agro-metrics and effective agronomic practices to establish and manage school gardens. These gardens now grow a mix of edible and non-edible plants, including vegetables like tomatoes, okra, and ayoyo, as well as trees and ornamental plants.
Key Highlights
- The gardens help combat climate change by greening school environments and promoting sustainable agriculture. commodity distribution.
- They provide practical learning spaces that deepen students’ understanding of climate change and environmental care.
- Documented increased uptake of secure oral contraceptives, condoms, and other health products through CBA sales data.
- The initiative beautifies school grounds, creating a calm, green environment that supports teaching and learning.
Overall, these school-based initiatives are improving the quality of education, promoting student well-being, and building climate resilience in northern Ghana.