Strengthening School Nutrition at Kiwere Secondary School

26 August, 2026

The “Strengthening School Nutrition at Kiwere Secondary School” project, carried out in Iringa, Tanzania, in partnership with the Esperanza y Alegría Foundation and funded by Banco Santander, has come to an end. The project involved the participation of the school community and local families.

One of the main achievements has been the establishment of a 1.2-hectare vegetable garden and a 480 m² greenhouse. During the project, more than 11,500 kg of vegetables were produced and incorporated into meals for the school’s more than 1,200 students, helping to provide a more varied diet with a greater range of vegetables.

To ensure the water supply needed for cultivation, a 150-metre-deep well was drilled and an irrigation system was installed for both the vegetable garden and greenhouse. In addition, 118 avocado trees were planted, with their first harvest expected in the coming years.

The project also included improvements to the school kitchen, which was renovated and equipped with two stoves powered by eco-friendly briquettes. Two handwashing stations were also built to improve hygiene conditions at the school.

Training was another key component of the project. Students took part in practical activities in the vegetable garden and greenhouse, while teachers and local farmers received training on crop management and cultivation techniques. In May, more than 900 students participated in a field day, and in June, 220 farmers from the local community took part in a meeting to share knowledge and experiences.

On 22 June, the Ambassador of Spain to Tanzania, Paloma Serra, visited the school to see the facilities and learn about the work carried out during the project.

The school now has the facilities and knowledge needed to continue growing vegetables and caring for the avocado trees. Although the project has come to an end, the vegetable garden and greenhouse will remain an important part of daily life at the school.