What began as a vision rooted in sustainability and inclusion has blossomed into a living, breathing testament to the power of community, climate action, and dignity. On a bright and emotional day, the Green Generation Initiative (GGI) officially handed over a Permaculture Feeding and Learning Garden to Treeside Special School a milestone not just for the organization, but for the future of climate-resilient education in Kenya.
But this story didn’t start with the garden. It began with a promise.
Speaking to the founder Ms. Elizabeth Wathuti, “When the Green Generation Initiative first came to Treeside Special School, it was as part of the Greening Schools Program one of 600 schools across Kenya included in the project. But Treeside stood out. The students, the teachers , their passion for the environment was unmatched. We planted trees and made a promise: if 70% of the trees survived, then we would return and the trees did survive thriving under the care and commitment of the school community. We solely kept our word. This time with tools, knowledge, and a bigger vision.” Over the past three months, GGI team has poured its heart into creating something truly transformative: a Permaculture Feeding and Learning Garden ; a living system designed to feed, teach, and empower.
“This is not just a garden, It’s dignity, nutrition, learning, and hope — all rooted in the soil.
Ms. elizabeth wathuti
The garden is more than rows of vegetables. It’s a model of circular sustainability, featuring:
- A thriving food forest
- A water-efficient vertical garden
- An integrated chicken coop
- Water-saving innovations
- And space for hands-on learning
In attendance was Senator Crystal Kegehi Asige from the Parliament of Kenya, representing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). She emphasized her deep interest in the interconnected challenges faced by persons with special needs, youth, and women groups she identified as among the most vulnerable in society. Her visit was as a result of a previous meeting in Hamburg with the founder of GGI, Ms. Elizabeth Wathuti. This trickles down to the thought of many people shying away from opportunities, they whisk away yet therein lies the “golden goose , with the golden egg”. In her address, she highlighted her immense support for the work that GGI is advocating for. She passionately urged the special needs students not to lose hope, reminding them that their challenges do not define their potential.
Speaking on behalf of the Belgian embassy was Mrs. Kris Maddens, she expressed her gratitude to GGI and congratulated the team for their exceptional work acknowledging as well the work and efforts of the administration at Treeside school represented by Mrs. Salome. Notably, this embassy is the first Belgian diplomatic mission worldwide to achieve net-zero status, setting a global benchmark for green government infrastructure. A net-zero building is one that generates as much energy as it consumes over a year, typically by combining high energy efficiency with on-site renewable energy sources such as solar power. This means that the embassy operates without contributing to net greenhouse gas emissions, a critical step in combating climate change and promoting responsible resource use.
The ecosystem supports the school’s feeding program, while also generating income opportunities from surplus produce already being purchased by partners like Sports View Hotel in Kasarani. This initiative is more than a one-off success. It’s a replicable model of climate-smart, inclusive development that GGI is now working to scale to 100 more schools across Kenya. So what’s the desired goal? To ensure that every child regardless of background or ability learns the value of sustainability and benefits from local, nutritious food systems.
“We believe every child deserves not just food, but the dignity of growing it, learning from it, and being part of a solution that respects both people and planet,” Added Ms. Elizabeth Wathuti.
About Green Generation Initiative.
Green Generation Initiative is a youth-led environmental organization committed to advancing climate justice, food security, and environmental education through grassroots projects rooted in permaculture, agroecology, and sustainability.
MORE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT
Photo Credits Albie
