Government to Expand Vilunveshi School Gardens Nationwide to Boost Food Security

The Maldivian government is set to expand the 'Vilunveshi' programme to schools across the archipelago, moving beyond the capital to integrate modern agricultural training into island education. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and practical application, equipping students with the tools to combat food insecurity. Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Ali Shareef, detailed the expansion during an interview with PSM News. The programme recently marked its first milestone with the inauguration of the 'Garden of Growth' at Hiriya School. This pilot garden serves as a blueprint for future installations in Male' and throughout the various atolls. According to Minister Shareef, the primary goal is to provide students with hands-on experience in contemporary farming. By implementing greenhouses and both horizontal and vertical hydroponic systems, the programme allows students to experiment with soil-less cultivation and high-efficiency crop management. This practical approach addresses a long-standing concern from educators regarding the lack of experiential learning opportunities for students studying climate change and food security. "Beyond simply learning from textbooks, we want children to experience these practices first-hand," Minister Shareef stated. He emphasized that the goal is to demonstrate that modern agriculture is viable within the Maldives, inspiring the next generation to develop these systems further to ensure national resilience. The project is a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy under the 'Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security' (ECRFS) project. It is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development, as well as the Ministry of Fisheries, Ocean Resources and Agriculture. To ensure sustainability, the school gardens are designed with resource efficiency in mind. The facilities include specialized systems for leafy vegetables and dedicated fruit-growing zones. Additionally, each garden incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to provide an eco-friendly irrigation source, teaching students the importance of water conservation in a changing climate.