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ARKIS Educational Garden

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The ARKIS Educational Garden, started in 2022, helps young students connect with nature. Through planting and gardening, kids learn about sustainability, and food production, and help support Bahrain’s goal of more green spaces.

Please share a brief background of your innovation.

The Abdulrahman Kanoo International School (ARKIS) aims to provide high-quality education that empowers students to become successful and principled citizens. In alignment with this vision, the ARKIS Educational Garden was conceived to foster a love for the environment among preschool students. The garden’s primary objective is to instill a sense of stewardship for nature, contributing to Bahrain’s mission of increasing green spaces, including the revival of its iconic palm tree population.  The educational garden allows students to engage with an ecosystem, learning about sustainable practices, organic gardening, and healthy living. By participating in hands-on activities—such as planting, nurturing, and harvesting—the students develop critical life skills while enhancing their understanding of food production and environmental responsibility.

How was the innovation planned?

The planning of the ARKIS Educational Garden began in 2022, with the leadership team laying the groundwork for its launch in the 2023 academic year. Teachers engaged students in early gardening activities using innovative methods, such as planting seeds in socks instead of plastic pots, promoting sustainability from the outset.  By September 2023, the physical garden was established. The school collaborated with local businesses for donations of materials like pallets and tires, which were transformed into garden infrastructure. A key community member, Mr. Abdulla Qassim, contributed seeds and conducted a workshop for teachers, ensuring that staff were equipped to maintain the garden and implement effective composting practices.

What were the challenges faced during implementation?

Implementing the ARKIS Educational Garden was not without challenges. The initial delay in setting up a watering system postponed the planting schedule. Additionally, some plants struggled due to inadequate sunlight, necessitating their relocation to sunnier areas. These challenges provided valuable learning experiences, highlighting the importance of adaptability and careful planning in gardening projects.

Give us a brief assessment of your results.

As of October 2023, the garden has successfully engaged students in planting and nurturing activities. The first crops of radish, kale, and carrots were harvested, allowing students to experience the joy of consuming their homegrown vegetables. The project not only has enhanced students’ understanding of agriculture but has also contributed to the school’s mission of promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.  The ARKIS Educational Garden aligns with Bahrain’s “Green Capital” Project, aiming to inspire similar initiatives across schools and communities. By teaching students the benefits of planting and reducing food waste, the garden contributes positively to public health and environmental sustainability.

In hindsight, what were the most valuable lessons learned while implementing the innovation? Could things have been done differently?

The implementation of the ARKIS Educational Garden provided several key insights. Notably, the garden served as a therapeutic space for students, particularly those experiencing anxiety. Engagement with nature promoted mindfulness and emotional resilience, illustrating the garden’s role in supporting mental health alongside its educational objectives.

In hindsight, early identification of potential challenges, such as site selection and resource allocation, could have streamlined the initial phases of the project. A more robust planning process involving community feedback might have further enhanced the garden’s development and sustainability.

By fostering a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, the ARKIS Educational Garden hopes to inspire not only its students but also the wider community to embrace gardening, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.

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