Teacher: Uwimana Protogene
Meet the teacher
Uwimana Protogene
Protogene has worked as a teacher since 2009 and currently teaches at GS GASHASHI in the western province of Rwanda. He is proud of the young generations that he has helped, including developing their knowledge and skills – they are now brighter and striving for better because of the motivation he instilled in them. Protogene helped his fellow teachers to integrate the SDGs in their daily routine of preparing their lessons. His inspiration for becoming a teacher came from wanting to prepare younger generations for a better world and for their brilliant futures. Protogene holds various titles including teacher mentor of STEM teachers and global school advocate. He plans to continue to support young people in Rwanda so that a better World with sustainable development at its heart will be achieved
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Overview
Protogene teaches in a school in Rwanda and wanted to tackle issues facing the health of his students as well as the climate crisis. He started a gardening club which has gone on to not only tackle these issues but has also involved the wider community, leading to a more socially responsible outlook from everyone involved.
Theory of Change
The gardening project aimed to tackle three problems that were a concern in the school and the wider community- poor nutrition, a lack of physical activity and the environmental concerns ed to industrial agriculture including greenhouse emissions, soil erosion and water pollution.
Approach and Actions
These problems can affect students, teachers, and the wider community. By addressing these issues through a school garden, the whole community can gain a healthier lifestyles and more sustainable living practices can be promoted.
Impact
Protogene carried out a climate crisis awareness campaign in class which involved students completing various teaching and learning activities. Once the students were engaged with the topic an environmental conservation club was started. The club members then started a garden on some unused land in the school grounds. The students took part in activities such as planting, watering, weeding and harvesting crops. They learnt about the importance of sustainable agriculture practices, such as composting and crop rotation. This raised awareness of the impact of industrial agriculture on the environment and encouraged students to consider sustainability in all the choices they make. Students also got access to fresh produce from the garden which improved the nutritional quality of their diets and promoted healthy eating habits.