Changemaker

Meaningful change begins with participation. This has come to life through Changemaker’s urban garden intervention in Kenya. At Manyatta Comprehensive School and Obinju Comprehensive School, learners are not just learning about healthy lifestyles, they are actively building them.

The establishment of several innovative urban garden technologies, including conical gardens, sack gardens, container gardens, coupled with shade net structures, water conservation and irrigation systems, is bringing together learners, teachers, and agricultural extension officers in a shared effort to create sustainable food environments within schools.

Building the Shade Net Garden: A Hands-On Learning Experience

A key highlight of this initiative was the establishment of a shade net structure or net house; a porous, cloth-based structure designed to block some sunlight and reduce temperatures, ideal for hot climates and shade-loving plants. This space has become central to both learning and food production, offering a controlled environment where crops thrive despite dynamic weather conditions.

Shed net preparations at Manyatta School	Shed Net Preparations at Obinju School

The process of setting up the shade net garden was fully participatory. Learners worked side by side with teachers and agricultural extension officers. It begun with site preparation by clearing and levelling the land to create a suitable foundation. This was followed by the construction of the structure itself. Students learned by observation, installed supporting poles under supervision, and mounted the shade net. With support of technical experts, the proper installation of water conservation and irrigation systems brings on board lessons for sustained crop production through rainy and dry season, further strengthening resilient food systems.

A ready shed net at Manyatta School	A ready shed net with irrigation system at Obinju School

Once the infrastructure-building was complete, learners moved into planting, carefully placing seedlings and nurturing them through regular watering and maintenance. This stage brought visible excitement, as the space began to transform from a bare piece of land into a green-filled garden.

A shed net with seedlings at Manyatta School	Grown crops at the shed net at Manyatta School

More Than a Structure: A Space for Growth

What stands out throughout this process is the enthusiasm, curiosity, and teamwork among the learners. The shade net garden has become more than just an agricultural space. It is a safe place for collaboration, learning, and shared responsibility.

While some challenges emerged, including coordinating large groups and initial hesitation from a few learners in handling soil and manure; these moments created opportunities for encouragement, mentorship and growth. With continued support, learners are becoming more confident and ever actively engaged.

Beyond food systems strengthening, this initiative represents a deeper investment into the future. Through hands-on experience, learners are gaining practical skills and developing a stronger sense of responsibility for their lifestyle, overall health and the environment.