More than 25 per cent of Dubai's private schools grow food, according to new statistics released by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) during the latest edition of 'What Works'(event hosted by KHDA), which focused on gardening in schools as a tool to improve student learning.

Many schools in Dubai have already created their own green space and started growing fruits and vegetables successfully in school farms.

It is inspiring to see passionate teachers sending a positive message to students and parents. Many of these learners are seeing food grow right in front of them for the first time.

Children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetables or express a preference for these foods. Gardening has also been linked with greater student achievement in science.

Report is inspiring schools to take up the challenge of growing their own food.

Children should not have to leave their neighbourhood to live, learn and earn in a better way. In the back of each classroom, something is always growing. In order to be well read, you have to be well fed and we all need to grow healthier schools.

A special workshop on urban gardening hosted at 'What Works' helped teachers learn more about growing their own garden in small spaces.

Gardening programmes have been considered particularly effective at engaging 'non-academic learners' and children with challenging behaviours.

Students who participated in a one-year gardening programme showed a significant increase in self-understanding and the ability to work in groups compared to non-participating students. What Works SteAm (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) also showcased successful student projects.

 Depending on the school, gardening initiatives are either extra-curricular programmes or fully integrated with the curriculum through science and entrepreneurship. Many initiatives are student-led in Dubai schools. Gardening initiatives involve students of all school grades (KG-12).

Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) ensures that  schools in Dubai  deliver high quality education to students, nurture their holistic development, inculcate academic and environmental values in them  and promote the growth of Dubai.

Source , Gulf News , KHDA