At Nabbanda Primary School, the vibrant green of the school garden stands as a testament to one woman’s remarkable commitment Mrs. Daka Petronella, a dedicated teacher whose passion for her learners extends far beyond the classroom.
Balancing between teaching two to three classes daily and serving as the production unit teacher for the school’s garden, Mrs. Daka’s dedication is truly inspiring. The garden, established through the Youth Integrated Livelihoods and WASH (YILWASH) Project) supported by German Cooperation and Stiftung Kinderzukunft plays a vital role in supporting the school’s feeding program, ensuring that every child receives at least one nutritious meal each school day.
“Seeing the children learn on a full stomach makes me happy,” Mrs. Daka says warmly. “When learners are hungry, they can’t concentrate but when they eat from what we grow here, they become active and eager to learn.”
Her work extends well beyond tending crops. Mrs. Daka works closely with the school administration, project officers, community members, and the learners themselves to keep the garden flourishing. Together, they plant, apply treatments, harvest, and package the produce, selling the surplus at local markets to help sustain the feeding program.
“We involve the pupils in every step,” she explains. “It teaches them responsibility and the value of agriculture. They take pride in knowing the food they eat comes from their own hands.”
Even with her demanding teaching schedule, Mrs. Daka remains deeply devoted to both her students and the school garden. Her leadership and teamwork have turned the initiative into a thriving example of how education, nutrition, and livelihoods can come together for lasting impact.
“It’s not always easy managing lessons and the garden,” she admits. “But I believe that when you love what you do, you find the strength to keep going. The children’s smiles make every effort worthwhile.”
Her passion and service have not gone unnoticed. Fellow teachers, parents, and community members admire her unwavering spirit.
“Mrs. Daka is an example of what true dedication looks like,” says a colleague. “She reminds us that education goes hand in hand with caring for our learners’ wellbeing.”
Through her perseverance and the support of the YILWASH Project, funded by German Cooperation and Stiftung Kinderzukunft, Mrs. Daka Petronella continues to be a beacon of inspiration proving that with commitment and compassion, one teacher can make a lasting difference, one garden at a time.
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