Bountiful first harvest of long beans

The Fiji National University (FNU) is proud to announce the successful first harvest from its Taveuni School Gardening Project.

Niusawa Methodist Secondary School is incorporating homegrown produce into student meals — a tangible outcome of FNU’s commitment to community-centred education, sustainability, and food security.

Launched on 11 March 2025, the project is an initiative under FNU’s Strategic Plan 2024–2026, which champions community engagement, practical learning, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.

Students tending to their vegetable gardens at Niusawa Methodist

Spearheaded by the Pro-Vice Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Professor Jimaima Lako, in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF), the project involves Year 9 and 10 students and is designed to cultivate both crops and capacity among Fiji’s next generation of farmers and changemakers.

In its initial phase, the project equipped the school with essential gardening tools, seeds, and planting materials, followed by practical, hands-on training in seedbed management, nursery practices, and sustainable farming techniques.

Students successfully planted and cultivated a variety of crops, including long beans, eggplant, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, maize, pineapple, and plantains. The result is an impressive first harvest, which is now served as part of the school’s daily meals.

Gardens at Niusawa Methodist High School

“This initiative is a clear reflection of FNU’s strategic focus on social responsibility and sustainable development,” said FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba. “It directly supports Priority Area 3 of our Strategic Plan, which emphasises community partnerships and development, and aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).”

She added that beyond food production, the project fosters deeper community collaboration and encourages schools to become active hubs for local resilience and innovation.

“Students gain vital agricultural skills, a sense of ownership, and a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship and nourishment from crops they plant— all within a framework of experiential, values-based learning.”

The Taveuni Gardening Project forms part of FNU’s broader mission to provide meaningful education that is not only career-oriented but also attentive to community wellbeing and health, particularly in addressing malnutrition. Ongoing assessments and mentorship by FNU teams will support the sustained development of the gardens and ensure their continued alignment with national and regional development priorities.