(Tonj) – A local primary school in Tonj South County has started a vegetable farming project aimed at improving the nutrition of pupils and staff. Rainbow Nursery and Primary School, in partnership with World Vision and the World Food Programme (WFP), officially launched the initiative under the theme, “Farming is a part of practical learning.”
The school’s deputy headteacher, Mr. David Chol Anei, confirmed the development during an interview on Tuesday, noting that the project is fully supported by World Vision and WFP. He said the main goal is to provide a more balanced diet for both learners and teachers, while also teaching children practical farming skills that go beyond the classroom.
Mr. Anei thanked World Vision for providing vegetable seeds and supporting the school’s feeding programme. He encouraged other schools in Tonj South and surrounding areas to adopt similar farming practices as part of their educational programmes. According to him, the school intends to continue the project on an annual basis.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Diing Diing, a teacher at the school, explained that the farming project will help the school reduce costs spent on buying vegetables for meals. He added that involving children in farming gives them energy and teaches them real-life lessons that go beyond textbooks.
The types of vegetables being grown in the school garden include tomatoes, eggplants, pumpkin, amaranthus (commonly known as dodo), onions, and other locally grown crops. These crops are expected to supplement school meals and contribute to food security at the school level.
School gardens are increasingly seen as practical solutions for nutrition and education challenges in South Sudan. In areas like Tonj, where food insecurity is still a concern, such initiatives can help bridge the gap between learning and healthy living. No direct monetary value was mentioned, but the estimated cost of a small scale school vegetable garden in South Sudan typically ranges between SSP 1,400,000 and SSP 2,800,000, which is roughly $200–$400 at the official rate, or around $200 at the parallel market rate.
The community welcomed the launch, with local residents praising the school for its innovation and calling it a good example for others to follow.
