Voice of Nature (VoNat) is currently taking some 30 community kids in Buea, South West Cameroon, through a 3-month experiential learning session on container vegetable gardening. This activity, which is the pilot phase of VoNat’s upcycling project, seeks to enhance the skills and knowledge of the youngsters about science and nature while reducing the number of plastic bottles in the environment.

Potting of plastic containers in Ndongo-Buea. Photo Credit: VoNat

The project launch took place on May 5, 2022, at Government Primary School Ndongo-Buea. VoNat used the project launch to educate the youngsters on the environmental, economic, and nutritional benefits of container vegetable gardening. The 30 community kids were later engaged in cleaning plastic containers from the environment.

Kids get experiential lessons on container gardening. Photo Credit: VoNat

About 100 litres of plastic bottles were taken off the environment, which have been potted with soil mixed with organic manure. Seedlings of spices like celery, parsley, chive and basil have been planted into the planters. The kids are now engaged in watering and carrying out other agronomic practices at the container vegetable garden. The 30 youngsters are expected to gain inspiration and skills from the garden establishment process and be able to establish one in their respective homes when this phase of the project comes to an end in July.