The ministry of education and training, in partnership with the ministry of agriculture and the World Vegetable Centre, officially launched a Nutrition Education programme under the Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI), aimed at promoting traditional African vegetables in schools.
Speaking during the event, TAVI Project Director Dr Sophia Chan highlighted the importance of nutrition education in shaping lifelong, healthy eating habits. Funded by the Taiwanese government and implemented by the World Vegetable Centre, the programme focuses on delivering practical nutrition education to 26 participating schools across Eswatini.
Dr Chan emphasised that the sessions, facilitated by trained nutrition technicians, will focus on traditional vegetables such as amaranth, jute mallow, okra, African nightshade and African eggplant.
“These vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and have the potential to combat malnutrition, strengthen immune health and preserve cultural heritage,” she said.
She further noted that traditional vegetables are often misunderstood or undervalued.
“Unfortunately, many still consider these vegetables as weeds or ‘poor man’s food’. Through this initiative, we aim to change such perceptions,” said Chan.
The initiative leverages the school environment as a platform to influence positive dietary behaviours among learners, with parental involvement identified as a key success factor.
“The objective is not only to impart knowledge, but also to motivate behavioural change and embed healthy eating practices that last a lifetime,” said Chan.
Increased awareness of traditional African vegetables and their nutritional value promote dietary diversity, strengthen cultural pride and encourage healthy eating habits from a young age.
Deputy Director of Agriculture, Nikiwe Dlamini described the project as a major step towards food security and cultural preservation. She said introducing traditional vegetables in school gardens helped children to reconnect with nature and understand the importance of sustainable agriculture.
“By cultivating these vegetables, we are not just growing food, we are nurturing knowledge, preserving traditions and promoting healthier eating habits,” Dlamini stated.
Pledged
She praised TAVI’s support, calling it ‘a beacon of hope and a powerful example of community spirit,’ and pledged the ministry’s full support to the initiative.
Regional Education Officer Siza Kunene of the Ministry of Education and Training affirmed that nutrition and health are intrinsically linked to learning outcomes.
“We recognise that the health of a child leads to better educational development. This initiative aligns with our mandate to provide quality education through healthy diets,” Kunene said.
He noted that many learners and families have benefited from the provision of seeds, gardening tools and skills training. He commended the high level of participation and enthusiasm shown by schools.
“We see this as a revival of the agricultural system. It gives us access to a consistent nutritional system that supports both learning and health,” he said.
He stressed that the initiative provided learners with first-hand experience of traditional foods and their nutritional benefits. “It is no longer just food, but a plate filled with knowledge that will help them grow into strong, informed young adults,” he added.
He encouraged learners to embrace the opportunity and see their school kitchen as a learning space. The schools fully support the project and envision its expansion beyond the institution to benefit broader communities and tribes.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader
