The Greening Zambian Schools Initiative, led by the Teaching and Learning Excellence Foundation (TALEF), turns ordinary school environments into living, learning ecosystems. In practice, the innovation integrates composting, permaculture, agroforestry, and therapeutic gardening into the everyday life of both boarding and day schools across Zambia.
Since its inception, the Greening Zambian Schools Initiative under the Teaching and Learning Excellence Foundation (TALEF) has grown steadily through collaboration, awareness, and community-driven action. The project began as a pilot in selected secondary schools across Muchinga Province and has been expanding organically through advocacy, partnerships, and the enthusiasm of educators and learners who believe in sustainable education.
The first phase of growth started with pilot activities in key boarding schools, including Isoka Boys Secondary School, Lwitikila Girls, Mpika Boys, Nakonde Secondary, and Kenneth Kaunda Boys Secondary. These schools became demonstration centres for composting, permaculture, and agroforestry practices. Students and teachers were trained as “Green Ambassadors,” who now mentor others and share best practices within their districts.
From these pilot sites, the message began spreading through social media campaigns, educational workshops, and community events. TALEF’s online platforms — including Facebook, WhatsApp channels, and TikTok — have played a vital role in showcasing success stories, gardening progress, and environmental education tips. This digital visibility has attracted interest from teachers, agricultural experts, and youth across provinces eager to replicate the model.
A key factor in the spread of the initiative has been partnership building. TALEF has been reaching out to organisations for collaboration
The initiative aims to introduce composting, permaculture, agroforestry, and therapeutic gardens in both boarding and day schools to promote sustainability, food security, and mental well-being. At this stage, the focus is on building partnerships, raising awareness, and assembling a dedicated implementation team.
TALEF is reaching out to key stakeholders — including the Ministry of Education, agricultural partners such as Makeni Seedlings, local councils, and school administrators — to secure collaboration and technical support.
A social media campaign is also being developed to raise public interest, share environmental education content, and engage volunteers. Once partnerships and resources are secured, pilot schools in Muchinga Province will serve as demonstration sites before the initiative expands nationwide.
Beginning next year, the Greening Zambian Schools Initiative under the Teaching and Learning Excellence Foundation (TALEF) will be expanded to include an exciting new component — the Eco-Science Fairs.
These fairs will serve as interactive platforms where learners showcase their creativity and scientific understanding through projects on composting, permaculture, agroforestry, waste management, and climate action. The aim is to link sustainability with STEM education, allowing students to explore practical solutions to environmental challenges while deepening their love for science and innovation.
To make this vision a success, TALEF will be seeking strategic partnerships with schools, local councils, agricultural companies, and organizations that share our commitment to sustainable education. We are also looking to collaborate with institutions that can support us with training, seedlings, mentorship, and exhibition resources for the fairs.
By introducing Eco-Science Fairs, the initiative will not only promote greener school environments but also cultivate a generation of eco-literate, innovative, and environmentally responsible learners. Through creativity and collaboration, we aim to make sustainability an integral part of the Zambian education system — beginning with one school, one garden, and one idea at a time.
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