The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Ministry of Education and Culture (MESC), the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), and the Ministry of Health (MOH), has launched a joint initiative to promote school gardening and healthy eating. The programme engaged more than 300 students at Avele College and aims to build practical skills in agriculture and nutrition across the school community.
“The school garden project is more than planting crops—it’s planting knowledge,” said Honourable Aiono Alec Ekeroma, Minister of Education and Culture. “Each garden becomes a living classroom where students engage with science, apply mathematics, and connect with Samoan culture. It’s a hands-on approach that makes Agriculture Science part of everyday life.”
Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Aiolupotea Tony Misa, noted the MAF Crops Division will work directly with students over the next 12 weeks, covering the full farming cycle: seed selection and sowing, field preparation, seedling transplanting, and post-harvest recommendations. He called for strong support from teachers and parents to sustain the initiative.
Across the 12-week cycle, students in agricultural science, health and physical education, and food science will grow vegetables and fruits such as cucumbers, eggplants, and bananas, harvest their produce, and learn to prepare healthy meals. Avele College students Helen Tinousi Lilomaiava and Bornagain Liovaa said they look forward to gardening and cooking with classmates, building on the experience they already have at home.
“This programme integrates health education with practical learning,” said Dr Robert Thomsen, Acting Director-General of Health. “At a time when childhood and adolescent obesity is increasing, it is critical to nurture these skills early. We see our students not only as learners, but as future leaders who can champion healthier lifestyles in their families and villages.”
“Our ecosystem serves as a natural classroom for students,” said Philip Tuivavalagi, Assistant FAO Representative for Samoa. He affirmed FAO’s commitment to support Samoa and the wider Pacific in enhancing nutrition, developing sustainable agriculture, and strengthening resilience.
The initiative is part of FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme, funded through assessed contributions from all FAO member countries. Since 1976, the programme has provided FAO know-how and technical expertise to member countries, including Samoa, to meet immediate and specific needs.
About school gardens
Educational gardens help teach food production, processing, and consumption, and raise awareness of healthy eating and environmental impacts. Introducing locally suited crops into school canteens makes healthy food more accessible and supports growth, learning, and the prevention of obesity and diabetes.
Read more: https://www.fao.org/school-food/en/
