Principal teaches pupils to reap fruits of their own labour
JOHOR BARU: Realising that her students seemed to lack enthusiasm in their activities, Phang Oi Mei (pic) decided to start a vegetable and fruit farm at the school.
The SJKC Woon Hwa principal got all the teachers and students involved in the project and managed to rake in RM20,000 in profits within a year.
Phang, 49, said when she was transferred to the school two years ago, she saw “very little smiles on the children’s faces” and they seemed unwilling to express themselves.
“I felt that getting them into farm- ing would not only get them to learn about plants and nature, but this activity would help them interact better with their teachers,” she said here.
The teachers and students grew, among other vegetables, sweet potato, tapioca, pumpkin, yam and cili padi. They also harvested fruits such as honeydew and papaya.
Phang said even the students’ parents joined in the project, with 30 of them becoming volunteers at the farm.
“Even the school’s janitors and security guards are fond of the farm. The initiative has helped the community grow closer and offered a sense of belonging for everyone,” she said.
“After harvesting, we will offer the produce to the canteen operator. The remainder is sold to parents.
“Not only do the kids take care of the farm diligently, they are also excited when selling the produce to the parents,” she said.
With the success, the farm project has been expanded.
Phang said they now produce effective microorganism mud-balls as well as fertilisers from food waste, which do not need the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers.
“We have also created an eco-centre, in collaboration with Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and WB Land Sdn Bhd, to educate members of the public on environmental issues,” she added.