BY SIBUSISIWE NDZIMANDZE
MALKERNS – A total of 26 primary schools across Eswatini have been equipped with gardening tools and water storage tanks as part of the expanded rollout of the Taiwan–Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI II). The handover, held on Friday at Mphophoma in Malkerns, marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to integrate agriculture into the school curriculum, improve nutrition, and strengthen climate resilience among learners.
The ceremony was attended by government ministers, educators, learners, and development partners, who gathered to celebrate shared progress in food security, nutrition, and agricultural education.
“Taiwan Can Help”: Deepening Bilateral Relations
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Jeremy Liang of Taiwan reaffirmed his country’s enduring partnership with Eswatini and its commitment to human development.
“Today, we are more than happy to witness the handover of proper garden tools to our 26 new school partners under TAVI, enabling sustainable vegetable production in schools,” he said.
The ambassador highlighted the value of traditional African vegetables, citing their nutritional benefits, ease of cultivation, and climate resilience. He revealed that Taiwan has invested over E76 million into the TAVI programme since 2021, with more than E23 million allocated for 2025 alone.
Ministries United for Nutrition and Education
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Principal Secretary Mr. Sydney Simelane — serving as Acting Minister — officially handed over the tools and tanks to the Ministry of Education and Training.
“It gives me great pleasure to hand over these garden tools and water tanks to 26 newly selected schools under Phase II of TAVI,” said Mr. Simelane.
He emphasized the initiative’s support for the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, noting its role in enhancing school meal quality and learner health through nutrient-rich traditional vegetables.
Mr. Simelane reported that Phase I of TAVI supported 16 pilot schools and 8 control schools with tools valued at E450,000. Phase II now adds another 26 schools, receiving tools worth E400,000. He also announced the upcoming TAVI II Schools Competition, which will include categories such as school gardening, nutrition education, and traditional meal preparation.
Agriculture in the Curriculum: An Education Sector Perspective
Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Owen Nxumalo, praised the initiative as a powerful model of educational innovation.
“This may seem a simple gesture, but its impact will be profound. These 26 schools are nurturing not only young minds but also life skills.”
He commended the incorporation of traditional vegetables like amaranth (chuchuza), African nightshade (umsobo), jute mallow (ligusha), and okra (mandwandwe) into school gardens — preserving local agrobiodiversity while improving nutrition.
The minister acknowledged past challenges, including the lack of gardening resources in schools, and applauded the timely intervention by TAVI and its partners. He urged learners to embrace the opportunity, calling them the “stewards of the future.”
Beneficiary Schools
The 26 schools receiving tools and tanks under TAVI II include:
- Nhlambeni Nazarene
- Nhlambeni North Holiness
- Maguga Dam
- Mhlangatane
- Machegwini
- Entfubeni Primary
- Bhekephi Primary
- Mahlabaneni Primary
- Khalakahle Primary
- Ekuhlamukeni Primary
- Good Shepherd
- Majembeni Primary
- Dlalisile
- Sidvokodvo Railway
- Sbuyeni
- Usuthu Anglican
- Sidvokodvo Nazarene
- Mpuluzi
- Zondwako
- Mthunzini
- Gege Methodist
- Chibidzi
- Mpatheni
- Jerusalem
- Dwaleni
- Eqinisweni
With these additions, 42 schools are now supported under the TAVI programme in Eswatini.
Looking Ahead: Planting Seeds of Transformation
As TAVI II unfolds, its impact is felt far beyond the classroom. Thousands of learners are gaining access to improved nutrition, life skills, and climate-smart farming practices.
“Together, we are cultivating not just vegetables, but knowledge, resilience, and opportunity,” concluded Minister Nxumalo.
With continued investment and collaboration, TAVI is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future — one school garden at a time.
