ECOS: Blue Economy and Coastal Ecosystem in Kenya

Dear Friends,

we would like to share with you all the environmental activities that have been implemented by Aleimar in 6 schools in Kilifi County, in Kenya. This intense period has been fulfilling and allowed many children to experience, learn more about the area where they live and study and raise their awareness regarding the importance of environmental protection.

Environmental education sessions: in Januarywe built two nurseries in each of the six schools. These will be used for planting seeds which, once grown sufficiently, will be transplanted into the keyhole gardens. We delivered agricultural materials (spades, hoes, rakes, wheelbarrows, watering cans, etc.) to the schools. These tools will support the further development of the school gardens and enrich the teaching materials used for environmental clubs.

In February, a nutritionist from the Kilifi County Department of Health trained the students of the area on food security, nutrition, and diet. After the session, students were given various seed packets (tomatoes, mchicha, spinach, carrots, beetroot, sukuma wiki, greengram, etc.), which were then planted in the nurseries and keyhole gardens. Two capacity-building days on biodiversity were organized for club teachers. The trainer focused specifically on the marine ecosystem of the Kilifi area, the elements threatening it, and strategies for its conservation. Special attention was given to the role of washed-up Posidonia.

Beach Cleaning: students collected Posidonia and picked up litter left on the beach. At the end of the activities, plastic waste was donated to the organization “Ocean Sole” for sorting and recycling. This organization specializes in recycling plastic, glass, and rubber, transforming them into sandals and creative artwork. Posidonia was used instead as a substrate for compost production in the six schools.

Training Activities in the Kilifi Creek Area:At the same time, educational activities continued within the creek communities. Between February and April, the community mobilizer conducted course focused on food security and water in the villages.

Library Construction: in March we completed the renovation work of each library of the school. With the collaboration of the schools, the rooms were cleaned out, the roofs were repaired and the walls were repainted.In April, Aleimar delivered tables, chairs, and bookshelves.

 Be part of this change by supporting the project and many children in Kilifi County!

Thank you!