Cultivating Knowledge and Nature: School Herbal Gardens in Mysore District

In a vibrant initiative to connect young minds with nature, the Oasis Foundation, in collaboration with the Karnataka State Medicinal Plants Authority and sponsored by the National Medicinal Plants Board, has brought the concept of herbal gardens to 25 government residential schools in Mysore district during the 2023-24 academic year. This project, implemented under the Karnataka Residential Educational Institution Society, is fostering a deep connection between students and the rich world of medicinal plants, blending education, health, and environmental consciousness.

A Green Vision for Young Minds

The School Herbal Garden project is designed to spark curiosity and instill a sense of responsibility toward biodiversity conservation among students. By transforming school grounds into thriving herbal gardens, the initiative provides a hands-on learning experience that goes beyond textbooks. Each selected school, chosen for having at least 500 square meters of open space and enthusiastic participation from students and staff, now nurtures 250 plants across more than 25 varieties of medicinal species.

The project doesn’t end with planting. Follow-up activities are planned for the second year and will continue until the fourth year, ensuring the gardens flourish and the knowledge gained takes root.

Objectives: Nurturing Knowledge and Health

The initiative is driven by clear and meaningful goals:

• Promoting the Herbal Garden Concept: Encouraging schools to embrace herbal gardens as a way for students to engage with plants that have medicinal and cultural significance.
• Fostering Biodiversity Awareness: Helping children develop a lifelong connection with their environment by learning about herbal plants and their conservation.
• Educating Through Experience: Teaching students to identify, grow, and understand the uses of various herbs, making learning practical and engaging.
• Encouraging Healthy Habits: Inspiring students to incorporate herbs into their diets, promoting natural and traditional health practices.
• Preserving Traditional Knowledge: Sharing the value of commonly available herbs in a fun, hands-on way to ensure this wisdom is passed on to future generations.
• Enhancing School Environments: Creating green, healthy spaces that contribute to both physical and mental well-being.
• Building Eco-Conscious Communities: Forming Eco Clubs and Nature Clubs to nurture environmental stewardship among students.
• Creating Seasonal Awareness: Preparing seasonal calendars for vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants to deepen students’ understanding of nature’s cycles.

Project Reach: 25 Schools in Mysore District

The initiative spans 25 government residential schools across Mysore district, each transformed into a hub of learning and greenery. By carefully selecting schools with adequate space and enthusiastic participation, the project ensures that every garden is a collaborative effort between students, teachers, and the community.

Activities Bringing the Gardens to Life

Each school participates in a range of activities to make the herbal gardens a success:

• Awareness Programs: Experts introduce students to the world of medicinal plants, sharing their benefits and uses.
• Establishing Herbal Gardens: A dedicated 500-square-meter space in each school is transformed into a vibrant herbal garden with 250 plants of diverse species.
• Eco Club Formation: Students join Eco Clubs or Nature Clubs, supported by informational, educational, and communication (IEC) materials to deepen their engagement.
• Garden Maintenance: Activities like applying manure and gap-filling ensure the gardens remain healthy and sustainable.
• Knowledge Tests: Fun and educational tests help assess students’ understanding of medicinal plants and their applications.

Sustaining the Green Legacy

The project’s commitment extends beyond the initial planting phase. Follow-up visits in the second year and beyond ensure the gardens are well-maintained and continue to serve as living classrooms. These visits focus on nurturing the plants, reinforcing student learning, and strengthening the Eco Clubs’ activities.

A Step Toward a Greener Future

The School Herbal Garden project in Mysore district is more than just planting seeds—it’s about sowing the seeds of curiosity, responsibility, and respect for nature in young minds. By blending traditional knowledge with modern education, the initiative is cultivating a generation that values health, biodiversity, and sustainability. As these gardens grow, so does the hope for a greener, healthier future for Mysore’s students and their communities.