In conservation and restoration projects, long-term outcomes depend on more than maps and models. They depend on people having the tools, confidence, and routines to keep protecting the landscape year after year. That is why we started Kaliwirinae, our school garden initiative at the Rubiales Educational Institution: a practical way to connect climate, soils, food, and forest stewardship through hands-on learning.
From greenspace to outdoor classroom
The green space in the school was turned into a school garden (see pictures below) where the pupils will get interactive classes on a regular basis guided by our technical staff. Its name: ‘Kalilwirinae’. This is Sikuani (local indigenous language) for Tree of life. The idea is that students move their classrooms to the soil and participate in sustainable agronomic classes, from soil preparation and planting to harvesting their yield. Protecting the profound connection between our environment and
Growing stewardship
Furthermore, our technical staff is also giving extra classes and supporting the students with notebooks. In one class, students learned about the basics of climate change and its effect in the world. Another class was given on soil characteristics and different management practices. Students learnt fast when lessons were tied to some practical exercises in the garden. They planted pineapple, cassava, plantain, tomatoes and bell peppers. Some plastic bottles were reused as mini-greenhouses and Bocashi was prepared and added to the seedlings, this is a fertilizer sourced from local materials.
Hands in the soil, eyes on the future
We deeply believe that every investment towards this school will pay off long-term. This is the next generation that will grow up as guardians of the forest. With the right info and guidance, we will achieve lots of things together.
If you’d like to support these students, don’t hesitate to contact us!
