The vegetable gardening at these schools is part of an organic farming project supported by Seed To Table, a Japanese non-profit organization.

The Dong Thap Agricultural and Rural Clean Water Service Center announced on Tuesday that it has successfully implemented a project providing clean water to 20 schools in 10 districts and cities of the province, producing remarkable results. The initiative has been lauded for its positive impact on the health and hygiene of students and staff.

In 2019, a project was launched that saw the construction of 20 net-roofed houses for organic vegetable production. Participants in the project were provided with farm uniforms to wear while tending to the newly established gardens.

Furthermore, visible reminders have already been placed at the vegetable gardens in the form of signboards.

Many schools are cultivating legumes and flowers to cultivate a vibrant and healthy ecosystem in their gardens. Additionally, some schools are planting vegetables with the aim of harvesting and selling full-grown plants to both residents and teachers. This not only contributes to the school’s sustainability efforts, but also provides an opportunity to generate revenue.

Soil at schools can often be full of sand and rocks, making it difficult for water to drain away after it rains. To fix this problem, it took five days to loosen the soil and install drainage pipes in the garden. This work ensured that the water would be able to flow away properly, preventing it from forming standing pools.
Soil at schools often has sand and rocks, thereby forming standing water after rains. It took five days to loose the soil and install drainage pipes in this garden.

The students engaging in vegetable gardening were instructed to report on their research findings with regards to the ripeness of vegetables in different soil conditions, the growth stages and cultivation strategies of mustard and peanut farming for soil improvement, the growth of vegetables when the amount of organic fertilizer is altered, and the state of organic farming. By doing so, they were able to gain insights into organic farming.

A group of students at Nguyen Du High School in Cao Lanh City were tasked with studying the ripening of organic vegetables in varying soil conditions.

Students are harvesting mustard in the field. The bright yellow mustard crop is ready to be picked and will be used in a variety of dishes. The process of harvesting mustard is labor-intensive and requires careful attention to detail in order to ensure optimal flavor and quality. Harvesting this crop is an important part of the agricultural industry and provides an essential ingredient for many traditional recipes.
Students are harvesting mustard.

Their study results showed that among two vegetable beds with the same area and volume of seeds, one which received a double volume of organic fertilizer was significantly more productive than the other with a normal amount of the fertilizer.

During the vegetable gardening process, teachers can help students gain knowledge about organic agriculture while fostering their awareness of environmental and ecosystem protection. By accompanying them through the experience, teachers can ensure that students understand the importance of sustainable practices. They can also discuss the benefits of growing their own vegetables and the impact that it can have on their communities and the environment. Through this hands-on approach, teachers can help students gain a better understanding of how their actions can have an impact on the world around them.

After a harvest, students proudly sell freshly-picked, nutritious vegetables to teachers as part of a fundraising effort
After a harvest, students sell vegetables to teachers for fundraising.

In 2023, the groundbreaking project, funded by Seed To Table, will be expanded to three more schools in the province. 

Besides, seven groups of farmers, comprising 13 households, have come together to cultivate organic vegetation on a collective area of 2.8 hectares according to the Vietnamese PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) standards. Each kilogram of fully-grown vegetables, yet to be labeled, is priced between VND20,000 and VND40,000 (US$0.85 to US$1.7).

Students and teachers at this school have come together to pose for a group photo in front of their vibrant vegetable garden. They are all smiles, proud of the hard work they have put into creating this thriving garden. From the children who planted the seeds to the teachers who guided them, everyone has played a part in making this garden a success. Now, they can all enjoy the fresh produce it provides and appreciate the beauty it brings to the school.
Students and teachers pose for a group photo in front of a school vegetable garden.

This photo shows farmers selling organic vegetables at a local farmer’s market. The organic produce is grown using sustainable farming practices and is free of harmful chemicals, making it safer and healthier for consumers. Shopping at a farmer’s market gives customers the opportunity to support local farmers and purchase fresh, locally grown food. This helps to support the local economy and create a more sustainable food system.
A photo shows farmers selling organic vegetables.

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Twenty schools in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam have taken the initiative to involve their students in cultivating organic vegetables in school gardens, in a bid to not only broaden their knowledge of farming, but also to demonstrate the effectiveness of such gardens.

The vegetable gardening at these schools is part of an organic farming project backed by Seed To Table, a Japanese non-profit organization.

The Dong Thap Agricultural and Rural Clean Water Service Center announced on Tuesday that they have successfully implemented a project providing clean water to 20 schools in 10 districts and cities of the province, with remarkable results.

In 2019, a pioneering project was launched to build 20 net-roofed houses to cultivate organic vegetables. To further encourage participation, students were provided with farm uniforms.

Signboards have been placed at vegetable gardens to inform people of the rules and regulations in place. Furthermore, the HTML code associated with the content has been preserved in order to ensure that all of the necessary information is conveyed properly.

Many schools are cultivating legumes and flowers to cultivate an ecosystem in their gardens, while others have planted vegetables to harvest and sell fully-grown plants to their local community and staff. This not only helps to boost the local economy, but also encourages the students to learn about the importance of sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, it provides them with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of growing and caring for plants.

Soil at schools often has sand and rocks, forming standing water after rains. To prevent this, it took five days to loosen the soil and install drainage pipes in this garden
Soil at schools often has sand and rocks, thereby forming standing water after rains. It took five days to loose the soil and install drainage pipes in this garden.

As a way to gain insight into organic farming, the students participating in vegetable gardening were asked to report their findings in terms of the ripeness of vegetables in different soil conditions, the growth stages and cultivation methods of mustard and peanut farming for soil enrichment, the growth of vegetables after varying amounts of organic fertilizer are applied, and the state of organic farming.

A group of students at Nguyen Du High School in Cao Lanh City were tasked with studying the maturity of organic vegetables in varying soil conditions. To conduct their research, the students conducted experiments in order to determine the effect of different soil types on the ripening of organic vegetables. Through their experiments, the students concluded that certain soil types allowed for faster ripening of organic vegetables than others. The results of their study are expected to help other organic vegetable growers in the area optimize their soil conditions for quicker maturation of their crops.

Students are harvesting golden mustard from a field, illustrating the importance of sustainable farming practices. The image shows a group of students, wearing protective gear, carefully plucking the mustard plants and placing them in baskets. The baskets are then taken away to be processed and used for a variety of culinary, medicinal, and industrial purposes. The bright yellow mustard plants are a vivid reminder of the potential of sustainable agriculture and the importance of teaching and learning about sustainable farming techniques.
Students are harvesting mustard.

Their study results revealed that, when both vegetable beds had the same area and volume of seeds, the one that was given double the amount of organic fertilizer was significantly more productive than the one with the usual amount of the fertilizer.

During the vegetable gardening process, teachers always accompany students, helping them to gain valuable insights into organic agriculture and increase their awareness of environmental and ecosystem protection.

After a harvest, students sell freshly-picked vegetables to teachers for fundraising

After gathering the fruits of their labor, students sell freshly-picked vegetables to teachers for fundraising.
After a harvest, students sell vegetables to teachers for fundraising.

In 2023, the Seed To Table project will be expanded to three additional schools across the province. This expansion is sure to have a positive impact on students, parents, and teachers alike.

Besides, seven groups of farmers, comprising 13 households, have joined the project to cultivate organic plants on a combined area of 2.8 hectares in accordance with Vietnamese PGS standards. Each kilogram of fully matured vegetables that have yet to be labeled is priced at VND20,000-40,000 (US$0.85-1.7).

Students and teachers gathered together to pose for a group photo in front of a beautiful school vegetable garden. The garden, which was planted and maintained by the students and teachers, was a source of pride for the entire school community. The garden was a representation of the hard work and dedication of the students and teachers, as well as a testament to their commitment to sustainability and the environment. The garden was a symbol of the school’s commitment to teaching students to be responsible and conscientious citizens.

Students and teachers pose for a group photo in front of a school vegetable garden.

A photo shows farmers selling organic vegetables at a local market. The vibrant colors of the fresh produce are a testament to the quality of their goods. These farmers are dedicated to providing their customers with healthy, sustainable options. The organic vegetables are a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.
A photo shows farmers selling organic vegetables.

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