Teaching Urban Farming Principles in Elementary Schools: Instilling a Love for the Environment from an Early Age

Tuban, December 4, 2024 – Over the past two decades, environmental degradation has followed an alarming trend. Key contributing factors include deforestation, land conversion, pollution, and climate change. One critical effort to prevent further large-scale environmental damage is fostering awareness among communities about environmental preservation. In line with this, UNESCO, the international organization focusing on education, science, and culture, through its Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiative, promotes environmental education as a crucial part of global school curricula.

One educational activity that can be implemented is urban farming—agriculture practiced in urban areas or places with limited land. Urban farming aims to produce food that is more accessible than conventional farming methods as it can be done anywhere. Additionally, urban farming supports greening initiatives while providing an enjoyable way to educate young generations about environmental preservation from an early age.

Inspired by this vision, students from three Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (Islamic elementary schools) in Jenu District, Tuban Regency, had the opportunity to learn urban farming from Kampoeng Tani. This activity is part of the Persada Program, an environmental education initiative for schools around the Grass Root Refinery (GRR) Tuban project area, organized by PRPP between November and December 2024. A total of 240 students from MI Manbail Huda, MI Al Amin, and MI Al Falahiyah enthusiastically practiced planting vegetables using urban farming techniques.

Yuli Witantra, Sr. CSR Officer of PRPP, explained that the Persada Program reflects the company’s commitment to implementing environmental protection initiatives from an early age through education for elementary school students.

“After implementing this program in several elementary schools around the GRR Tuban project area in 2023, this year, Persada continues with similar programs, now involving students from Madrasah Ibtidaiyah schools who are receiving environmental education,” said Yuli during a separate interview.

“It’s crucial to provide environmental education as early as possible because these children will one day continue building Indonesia in the future. If they lack a sense of responsibility and care for the environment, environmental degradation will become even harder to control in the years ahead,” Yuli continued.

The Principal of MI Al Amin, Fathkul Janah (45), expressed his appreciation for the activity conducted by PRPP at his school.

“Alhamdulillah, the Persada program greatly benefits and refreshes the air quality around our Madrasah, MI Al Amin. The children are happy and highly enthusiastic about participating in this activity,” said Fathkul.

A similar sentiment was shared by the Principal of MI Manbail Huda, Moh. Husnul Marom, who stated, “The Persada program provides highly beneficial insights for our students on the importance of preserving the environment from an early age. It also inspires us with interactive and educational approaches.”

In addition to urban farming education, PRPP also donated 150 saplings of fruit-bearing and ornamental plants to the three schools. Besides providing food sources, planting trees also contributes to climate change mitigation. This initiative is part of the company’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 15 on Life on Land.