Global Guardians Nepal - Empowerment for resilient food systems
March 22, 2025
To make young Nepalese aware of the deep connection between all living beings and nature, Akasha Academy launched a project reaching 50 students.
“Don’t eat this, don’t spend the whole day scrolling your phone, go play outside.” These are phrases children often hear nowadays. Growing up in this generation is very different from what it used to be. Technology such as mobile phones, the internet, and digital entertainment has reshaped day-to-day habits, even in developing countries. As a result, connecting with nature has become a distant concept for many young minds.
Nevertheless, nature remains a fundamental foundation for our lives. Ignoring it means ignoring the fundamental basis of human existence. At Akasha Academy, we promote Universal Ethics to protect the future of our planet. At heart of our approach is fostering an understanding of interdependence; the deep connection between all living beings and nature. To bring this concept to life, Akasha Academy launched a project involving a total of 50 students, mostly members of the Eco Club from grades 5 to 8, from two public schools in Gokarneshwor-4. The project intended to reestablish a connection between children and nature.
A learning experience based on nature
Students participated in experiential learning by engaging their senses, taking a short nature walk, working in groups, brainstorming, engaging in agricultural activity and meaningfully interacting with their surroundings instead of standard class lectures. The project was designed to have four sessions, each with independent yet interconnected themes.
Educating the next generation about food systems is important
Conventional agricultural practices, along with the excessive use of chemicals and pesticides, are degrading the quality of soil and water while also contributing to global warming. With each passing year, it is evident that individuals are showing less interest in farming and agricultural activities, this trend can be seen in peak among students and young people. This is concerning, as they are the future of our planet and they hold the power to either restore or further deteriorate our planet and the environment. Despite the great responsibility they bear, many young people have little knowledge about agriculture and the food system, as this topic gets very little attention in the school curricula.
Although 25 school students participated from each school, greater emphasis was placed on involving members of the Eco Club. Here, the Eco Clubs are often misunderstood and reduced to task like collecting trash, despite their potential to provide students with valuable opportunities and exposure to engage with environmental issues. This project aimed to challenge and dispel such misconceptions by showing how Eco Clubs can actively support food system reform, advocate for sustainable practice, and promote an appreciation for nature’s fundamental foundation—the elements. Additionally, the project explored the impact of evolving farming practices on nutrition, fostering a deeper understanding of the connection between nature, agriculture, health, and sustainability. Through engaging discussions, lively group activities, and exercises, students learned about:
- The Natural Elements: Experiencing the elements of earth, water, fire, and air and understanding their properties with all the senses.
- The farm as a system: Understanding and recognizing interdependencies in agricultural and food systems.
- Food and farming: Understanding the interdependence of health and the environment; rediscovery of traditional local cuisine in Nepal.
- Kitchen Gardening: Learning how to create a sustainable and nutritious vegetable garden to support local food system.
A newfound sense of belonging
By the end of this journey, something incredible happened. The students no longer viewed nature as something “out there”. Instead, they saw themselves as part of it. They realized that everything, from the food we eat to the soil we stand on, is interconnected. They also came to understand that Eco Clubs are more than just cleaning up; they are about leading change, safeguarding the environment and the planet, and shaping a sustainable future.
This wasn’t just an educational endeavor; it was a movement to ignite curiosity, motivate action, and assist young minds in rediscovering their place and role in the vastness of nature. In doing so, they found purpose in addition to knowledge. Because reconnecting with nature isn’t just about protecting the environment; it’s about rediscovering who we are.
We would like to thank and express our gratitude to the Deutsche Postcode Lotterie, which funded the project.
Writer
Ojashvi Ojha is a public health professional and nutritionist and works as health officer at the Akasha Academy Nepal.
