More than a garden

A learning space for life, responsibility and future

Sustainable School Garden at Aussenkehr Primary School

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A joint project of Aussenkehr Primary School and the
Kinder fördern – Zukunft stiften Foundation since 2020.

 

In Aussenkehr, in the south of Namibia, extreme climatic conditions, long distances and limited infrastructure shape the daily lives of many families. Within this context, learning spaces that offer children orientation, confidence and future perspectives become particularly meaningful. The school garden of Aussenkehr Primary School is one such space. Between sandy soil and intense heat, children experience how food grows from a seed, how responsibility is shared and how community can flourish. The garden tells a story of resilience, self-efficacy and the quiet beginnings of future opportunities. Since 2020, the garden has been part of the long-term partnership between Aussenkehr Primary School and the German foundation Kinder fördern – Zukunft stiften. Together, we aim to equip children with sustainable life skills through education, relationships and practical experience.

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A garden with history and potential

The school garden has existed for approximately ten years and serves both as a practical learning environment within the curriculum and as a key component of the Life Skills Programme. In the Gardening Club, learners explore how to grow fruits and vegetables, care for plants and further process their harvest in the Cooking Club.

Despite its importance, the garden has so far been limited by missing infrastructure, unreliable irrigation and a lack of protective measures against animals and theft. As a result, continuous cultivation has not been possible.

At the same time, the garden holds significant potential — as a learning space for food education, as a contribution to self-sufficiency and as a bridge between school, family and community.

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Education rooted in everyday life

Aussenkehr is a community in transition, characterised by seasonal labour migration and a strong agricultural environment, particularly table grape production. While agriculture plays a central role in the local economy, many children lack opportunities to gain practical experience in sustainable food production.

The sustainable school garden addresses this gap by connecting theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning. Learners develop competencies in nutrition, sustainability and responsibility while strengthening teamwork and confidence in their own abilities.In addition, the garden opens pathways for entrepreneurial learning through potential product sales and value-added food processing activities.

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Community as the foundation of sustainability

The school garden is not a standalone project but a shared development process. Local microfarmers, parents, teachers and governmental agricultural advisors contribute their expertise and strengthen local ownership.

International students and volunteers complement this knowledge through research, ideas and practical engagement, creating a dynamic exchange between local experience and global perspectives.

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Sustainability beyond the project. 

The project aims to establish a year-round functioning school garden supported by durable infrastructure, dedicated supervision and strong community ownership. Planned measures include protective fencing, irrigation systems, the employment of a gardener and collaboration with academic and agricultural partners.

This structure ensures that the garden remains a meaningful learning and community space long after the initial project phase.

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Impact at a glance

The sustainable school garden…

• reaches more than 1,000 learners

• strengthens food literacy and self-efficacy

• connects school, community and local agriculture

• creates a lasting learning and meeting space

• enables early entrepreneurial experiences

• promotes environmental awareness and responsibility​

 

Voices from the project

“In the garden I learn how to grow my own food. That makes me proud.”
Learner, Aussenkehr Primary School

“The school garden is a place where learning becomes visible and tangible for our children.”
Teacher, Aussenkehr Primary School

“The garden connects school, community and future. Here, more than vegetables are growing.”
Local project lead

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Contact persons

Foundation Project Lead: Maike Reinhardt
Kinder fördern – Zukunft stiften Foundation
info@stiftung-kinder-foerdern.de

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Local Project Lead: Panderee Mutambo
Project Coordinator
 

Horticultural Advisor: Dr. Annaly Strauss
University of Namibia (UNAM), Keetmanshoop

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School Contact: Selma Hamukoto
Agriculture Teacher, Aussenkehr Primary School