Health
School vegetable gardens, a guarantee of academic success
School vegetable gardens are indispensable for better schooling and contribute to improving the living and learning conditions of students. Thanks to these gardens, children diversify their daily diet and have access to at least one meal per day. Their implementation also encourages higher school enrollment, as parents are more likely to send their children to school if they know they will receive a meal there.
Additionally, the sale of surplus harvests generates extra resources for the school’s operations, enabling the purchase of essential supplies such as educational materials.
This fall, the NGO Tidène conducted a survey among parents of students and school principals in the four schools that already benefit from a school canteen.
The results are very encouraging and clearly demonstrate that children's academic success is strongly influenced by the presence of these canteens. Here are the key findings from this survey:
Improved student attendance
Since the implementation of the canteens, student attendance has significantly increased. Parents, motivated by the assurance that their children receive a complete meal each day, are making greater efforts to ensure regular school attendance.
Healthier children
The meals provided in the canteens include vegetables grown in school gardens, which supply essential vitamins. This has contributed to noticeable improvements in students' overall health: cases of diarrhea and stomach pain, which were previously common, have significantly decreased.
Enhanced academic performance
With better nutrition, children are less frequently absent and much more focused in class. These improvements have led to a marked increase in academic performance, as observed by teachers and parents alike.
Greater parental involvement
The establishment of management committees to oversee the canteens has encouraged parents to become more involved in school life. By participating in the management of these facilities, parents feel more connected to their children’s education. They also highlight the positive impact of the canteens on their household budgets, a particularly valued benefit.
These results underscore the vital role that school canteens play in improving the living conditions of students and their families. Building on these findings, our two associations are committed to continuing and expanding this program to reach more schools and children in the years to come..
This partnership is transforming the lives of students and their families. A heartfelt thank you to the Bel Foundation for its support!
