GROW SCHOOL Philippines, the first bamboo farm school that provides free accessible environmental & agricultural education to the marginalized Filipino youth of public schools across the Philippines in both classrooms and farmlands.
Started as an urgent response to the major food insecurity threat crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic that led to impacts on mass hunger, health challenges, financial burden, and disrupted supply chains in the country. Founded in partnership with the U.S. Embassy, the Youth Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI), and the University of Montana Maureen & Mike Mansfield Center.
All for the mission to change agriculture in the Philippines one school at a time, one student at a time. Grow School Philippines stands as a 20 ft. tall agricultural farm learning site open for all rural & urban Filipino children. Symbolizing our native traditional Filipino farmers hat the “Salakot.” Constructed entirely of sustainable bamboo and was built by a group of local Filipino corn farmers trained into building green structures and architectures. Completely powered by renewable solar energy.
Hosting practical trainings and introducing the public school students to amazing local farmers and other successful individuals working under agriculture in sharing their stories, experiences, and strong passion for the art and sciences of cultivating our soils and crops. Providing a holistic educational environment by integrating nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches through outdoor classrooms and sustainable agriculture programs that facilitate hands-on learning. Focused on inspiring and supporting the youth to take on sustainable agriculture and farming, as their future professions as well as build strong advocacy for our connection with nature. Fostering 3 interrelated concepts: Population Health,Economic & Social Health, and Environmental Health. This initiative also addresses the issue of the ageing population of Filipino farmers averaging between 57 and 59 year sold, which raises concerns for who will carry out the important task of farming in the coming years.
Aiming to give rise to a new generation of agriculture professionals and farmers who are knowledgeable not only in the traditional way of farming but also in advanced innovative modern way of growing such as Agri-tech, agribusiness, environmentally-friendly practices, diverse fields of agriculture like aquaponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, regenerative agriculture, organic farming, agroforestry, biodynamic, and of course sustainability.
To build a future where Filipino youth are not just farmers but innovators and entrepreneurs leading the global agriculture sector.
Creating a future where a child not only has enough to eat, but enough to dream.Where hunger is transformed into a hunger for knowledge, growth, and change!
Grow School Philippines with its impact & work has later been multi-awarded and recognized by diverse organizations/sectors.
ROBYN CAMILLE MIJARES – PHILIPPINES
BELLA RIBKA PUTRI MILLENIA – INDONESIA
CHANUNTIDA INVAT – THAILAND
PHONTHANA SIPASEUTH – LAOS
