Two boarding secondary schools in the Yasawa Group will now be able to plant their own vegetables, thanks to the installation of an irrigation system via a west-based non-governmental organisation.
Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND) Fiji delivered the irrigation materials with a nursery to Ratu Meli Primary School and Yasawa North Secondary School on Nacula Island.
“We were told that vegetables for students were being bought from Lautoka market and were too expensive with their limited budget,” said FRIEND Fiji director Sashi Kiran.
“Both the schools couldn’t afford irrigation systems.”
She said funding for the irrigation system and the nursery was sourced from the Australian government.
“School management told us that with the tools provided and organic farming knowledge they learnt from the project, it will help them change the students’ diet for improved food security.
“This will also help the school include agriculture activities as part of a weekly plan.”
