A School Garden Initiative Nourishing Futures in Haiti
In the verdant setting of the Grand Pré National School, a school nestled in the heart of Haiti's Northern region, a remarkable initiative has blossomed, quite literally. April 21, 2025, will remain a memorable date for the students of this institution, as they proudly harvested the fruits of their labours: cabbages, peppers, and hot peppers, tenderly grown in their school's garden. This abundant harvest was not an isolated event, but the culmination of a sustained commitment within the World Vision school garden program —a beacon of self-sufficiency in a national context marked by a persistent food crisis.
This beautiful picture began to take shape on November 26, 2024, when World Vision provided seeds to 23 students and taught them basic farming techniques. Under a generous sun, girls and boys worked together: weeding, tilling, sowing, and watering. Francesca Eustache, 14, recalls, "I helped prepare the garden beds and carry the plants. Today, I am proud to harvest what we grew with our own hands!" Their sense of accomplishment was palpable, a testament to their dedication and hard work.
The 6th-grade class, composed of twenty-three students, was fully invested in setting up the school garden. This initiative was accompanied by agricultural training sessions, allowing them to acquire practical skills. For months, they underwent theoretical training, followed by four crucial practical steps: setting up nurseries, transplanting after a month, caring for the plants, and finally... the harvest. Additionally, thanks to a partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), the students received nutrition-focused training.
On April 21, 2025, the radiant faces of the students spoke volumes. They brought their fresh vegetables to the school cafeteria, where the cooks transformed them into nutritious meals. "It's our harvest, and we're going to share it with the whole school!" exclaimed Francesca, a 6th-grade student.
In 2025, Haiti is experiencing a severe food crisis. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) update, UNICEF estimates that 2.85 million children—approximately one-quarter of the country's entire child population—are facing consistently high levels of food insecurity. Inflation makes it difficult for many families to access healthy food. In this context, the school garden becomes more than just an educational activity; it is a tangible solution.
Mr. Allonce Abellard, the school principal, does not hide his satisfaction: "This harvest is a great success. When the students eat in the cafeteria, they will know that these vegetables were grown by their classmates. We hope that this project will continue with World Vision. This success shows that with a little land, seeds, and a lot of determination, young people can contribute to their food security."
The entire school, comprising 194 students, benefited from the garden's harvests. The cooks utilized the vegetables grown to prepare meals in the school cafeteria, thereby contributing to the nutrition of all students. Students now eat in their classrooms around 10:30 AM, enjoying fresh and local produce. This initiative has not only improved the students' nutrition but also fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility within the school.
In a country where inflation makes every meal a challenge, this school garden is a small revolution. It reduces families' costs and teaches children self-sufficiency. World Vision in the North Haiti region hopes to extend this model to other schools, bringing hope and optimism for a future where more schools can benefit from such initiatives.