At Lewa, we believe that when communities come together, incredible transformations are possible not just for the environment but for future generations. This spirit is beautifully captured in the story of two Lewa-supported schools: Ntugi and Ntalabany.
Following Lewa’s engagement sessions on resource conservation and parental ownership with the parents of Ntugi Primary School, the parents took it upon themselves to clear unused land within the school compound and plant potatoes, a project that not only supports school meals but is also a clear sign of ownership and investment in their children’s wellbeing and learning environment.
Meanwhile, far away in the remote and arid landscape of Isiolo County, Ntalabany Primary School, the remotest school Lewa supports, has been working against every odd. Covered in sandy soil with no natural fertility, the school community transports soil from elsewhere to create gardens.
Water is scarce, so they pump it from a nearby stream using a petroleum generator. Despite these challenges, the school has flourished, growing fruits and vegetables that many of their students, coming from purely pastoralist families, had never seen before.
This year, in a heartwarming exchange, parents from Ntugi visited Ntalabany to witness their efforts firsthand. What they found left them both humbled and inspired. They could not believe that a school in such dry, inhospitable conditions could achieve so much. Moved by the determination they witnessed, they returned home vowing that no child in the school would go without a meal. As a gesture of solidarity, they contributed food supplies to Ntalabany, an incredible moment of two communities learning from and uplifting each other. The impact of Ntalabany’s work has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of their commitment to environmental stewardship, the County Forest Conservator (for Isiolo County) selected the school as the host venue for Isiolo County’s World Forest Day celebrations last week.
For us, these schools represent more than just success stories; they embody the promise of making schoolchildren ambassadors of conservation, ensuring the values of stewardship, community, and resilience are carried forward for generations to come.
Learn more about Lewa’s education programmes here.
