Schoolchildren planting vegetables in CAP’s urban garden during the gardening programme at Jalan Masjid Negeri in Jelutong, Penang. — Courtesy photo
A LITTLE dirt was no hindrance for 70 schoolchildren in Penang as they gleefully dug into the soil to plant tiny seeds and nurture their own vegetable plants.
The primary and secondary students, accompanied by 15 parents and 10 teachers, were participants of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) “Grow Your Own Vegetables for Future Generation” programme.
The event, held at CAP’s premises in Jalan Masjid Negeri, Jelutong, gave them a chance to discover the world of gardening while cultivating a love for fresh, wholesome food.
It was also a lesson in science, patience and healthy habits, said CAP senior education officer NV Subbarow.
He said the programme emphasised the crucial role of schools and teachers in fostering environmental education.
Subbarow said students gained practical knowledge of plant growth and sustainable farming through gardening and hands-on learning.
It also helped to develop an early awareness of climate change and the impact of human activities on the environment, he said.
“Teaching children at a young age is essential because activities such as gardening help keep them active while instilling important life values.
“Digging, planting and watering are simple forms of exercise that encourage children to move and stay healthy, instead of spending too much time on their mobile phones,” Subbarow said.
During the programme, several children received empty pots which they filled with soil then planted seeds.
Subbarow said the participants learned patience and creativity as they cared for the plants and designed their own gardens, while developing a better appreciation for healthy eating.
“In many of CAP’s programmes, children recognise the names of vegetables such as okra, brinjal, spinach and beans, but do not know what they look like.
“Gardening helps bridge that gap and encourages them to eat more vegetables instead of junk or sugary food,” he said at the opening of the programme.
Subbarow also urged schools and families to turn their unused areas or small home spaces into green learning environments.
Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, who launched the programme, said such initiatives were ideal for nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
“Malaysia is not self-sustaining when it comes to vegetable supply; we import 54.6% of our vegetables.
“The prices of vegetables have also been increasing in recent years.
“As such, we need the people’s involvement to reduce or overcome this issue,” he said, while also congratulating CAP for organising the programme.
Rajendran said that urban farming, when carried out collectively by groups or families, could help meet this demand.
He highlighted that several training sessions were held at Penang Island City Council's urban farming grounds along Lebuhraya Rose, with further improvements being planned.
He also said the city council was carrying out composting activities in the Pulau Tikus area to encourage sustainable practices within the community.
During the event, Subbarow demonstrated simple vermicomposting methods, showing how earthworms can break down food scraps to reduce household waste and produce organic fertiliser.
“This way the children can understand the role of earthworms in maintaining healthy soil and protecting the environment, while encouraging sustainable and waste-reducing habits from a young age,” he said.
