The heart behind the green gardens success

Martha Kamati, a remarkable educator stands at the forefront of environmental education and community engagement in Swakopmund. Kamati has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds at Westside High School since 2009. As a Life Science teacher for grades, eight and nine. She brings passion and purpose to every lesson, inspiring students to connect with the world around them.In 2011, Kamati founded the Environmental Club at Westside High School. Mostly driven by her passion for environmental protection, the club initially focused on raising awareness about pressing environmental issues, participating in various projects organized by local groups like NACOMA and the Municipality of Swakopmund. “We wanted to empower our students to not just be aware, but to take action,” she emphasizes, recalling the early days of the club with pride.However by 2012, the club evolved into a hands-on gardening initiative that would become a transformative experience for both Kamati and her students. “Gardening is so much more than planting seeds, it’s about nurturing growth both in plants and in students,” she explains. Despite the fruitfulness of the garden, the challenges of establishing a garden in Swakopmund’s unique soil conditions tested Kamati’s determination. “I had to learn about the local soil, its pH levels, and the types of nutrients it needed. It was trial and error at first, and I made many mistakes, but each one taught me something valuable,” she admits.In addition, the constant weeding of grass remained an issue as the quad where the garden is located was once a lawn. “We are still struggling to completely get rid of the grass,” she mentions. Through perseverance, research, and collaboration with local experts, she embraced organic gardening methods, minimizing chemical use to create a safe and sustainable learning environment. “Our goal was to cultivate not just plants, but also an appreciation for the environment,” she says, her eyes shining with pride. “Now, twelve years later, I can proudly say we’ve overcome many challenges and created a thriving garden.”The garden has grown into a shelter of biodiversity and learning, with students actively participating every second Saturday to tend to their green space. This outdoor classroom is alive with activity, offering lessons in ecosystems, pest management, and sustainable practices. “We face challenges like persistent weeds and pests, but we tackle them together,” Kamati explains. The impact of the garden extends beyond education. Fresh produce grown by the students contributes to the school’s soup kitchen, nourishing fellow students who might not have access to healthy meals. “Seeing the direct impact of their efforts on the community is incredibly rewarding for the students,” Kamati shares. In the past, they even donated spinach to the DRC Clinic through the health department, reinforcing the idea that their work can have a positive effect in the community.The garden is home to an impressive variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees, each chosen for its ability to thrive in the local climate. “We’ve cultivated everything from spinach and cabbages to guavas and grapes,” Kamati boasts. “It’s a space where students can explore, experiment, and learn about the intricacies of growing food.”One of Kamati’s key goals is to teach students about food security and nutrition. Through partnerships with local businesses, she provides practical life skills training that encourages students to start their own backyard gardens. “I want them to understand that they can grow their own food and even sell the surplus,” she says. This hands-on experience empowers students, instilling a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency that extends beyond the classroom.The garden also serves as a platform for creativity. She encourages students to experiment with different planting techniques and design their own garden layouts. “We’ve tried companion planting, where certain plants support each other’s growth, and it’s been fascinating to see the results,” she explains. “It’s a great way to combine science and creativity, allowing students to express themselves while learning.”Beyond her role as an educator, Martha is deeply committed to her own garden at home, which reflects her passion for nurturing plants. “Gardening is my therapy,” she laughs. She continues to add that her home garden is a safe place where she experiments and finds inspiration. “It’s where I can unwind and reconnect with nature after a busy week at school.”Miss Martha Kamati is not just a teacher, she is a mentor, a nurturer, and a champion for sustainability. Her unwavering commitment to her students and the environment has created an evident effect, inspiring future generations to connect with nature and embrace the importance of caring for the planet. As she continues to cultivate both gardens and young minds, it’s clear that Kamati&#039;s legacy will grow for years to come, rooted in love, knowledge, and a profound respect for the earth.precious@erongo.com.na

The heart behind the green gardens success

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Republikein 2025-04-04

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The heart behind the green gardens success

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