School garden is becoming a trend especially in Java, Indonesia.  After conducting a Training on Establishing School Garden for Literacy, Nutrition, and Entrepreneurship in March 2016, BIOTROP has been receiving several requests for technical assistance and visits.

One of these visits was organized by Ms. Tinia Leyli Shofia Ahmad, an alumnae of the training, on 24 May 2016 for 34 biology teachers from 25 Madrasah Aliyah National (MAN) and private schools from Jakarta Province to get hands-on information and guidance from BIOTROP about school garden.

The group was welcomed by Dr Arief Sabdo Yuwono, BIOTROP Deputy Director for Resource Management, together with Dr Ir Judhiastuty Februhartanty, M.Sc. and Indriya Laras Pramesthi, M.Gz. from SEAMEO Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (RECFON). RECFON is BIOTROP’s partner in the School Garden for Literacy, Nutrition, and Entrepreneurship Program.

During the visit, the group received orientation on hydroponic technology, household-scale solid organic waste composting, and nutrition for students program.  The teachers also toured the Centre’s composting area, hydroponic green house, mushroom cultivation as well as tissue culture laboratory and nursery.

The teachers expressed their interest to implement the hydroponic and composting technologies as well as mushroom culture in their respective schools. They sought formal collaboration with BIOTROP and RECFON on this matter.

The teachers represented the following schools: MAN 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, MA Al-Falah Kebun Jeruk, MA Al-Muddatsir, MA Citra Cendikia, MA Al-Khairiyah Mampang Prapatan, MA Persis 69, MA Pambangunan UIN, MA Yapis, MA Al_Falah Klender, and MA Al-Khairiyah Koja.