Transforming Nutrition: How School Gardens Are Cultivating a Healthier Future for Kazakhstan’s Kids – A Slow Food Initiative

Meet Aida Serik, a passionate agronomist and Slow Food advocate in Kazakhstan. She is on a mission to inspire young minds.

A Greenhouse for a Green School

Aida recently teamed up with the Bulat Utemuratov Private Foundation for the Green School project. This initiative has built greenhouses in 19 schools and one college across Astana and Almaty. Currently, 16 greenhouses are thriving at schools in Almaty, where students of all ages are hands-on in managing them.

These greenhouses are more than just gardens; they enhance biology and ecology lessons. At the College of Service and Tourism, students engage actively, while schoolchildren enjoy learning tours. They experiment, write papers, and develop a passion for science, often leading them to consider careers in the biological sciences.

The program encourages healthy eating habits by providing students with fresh, natural produce. As they grow their vegetables, they gain a deeper appreciation for these foods and discover different varieties and flavors, paving the way for a lifelong interest in gardening.

In School No. 68, students, guided by their teacher, Lola Kulmuratova, have been nurturing jusaï, a local green onion often used in traditional dishes. These hands-on experiences help the students create healthy meals using their greenhouse harvests, including salads, bread with spinach, and refreshing drinks.

A Growing Concern

However, not everything is perfect. The World Health Organization reports that 21% of children aged 6–9 in Kazakhstan are overweight or obese. The shift toward sugary drinks and more screen time is alarming. Yet, there’s some good news: physical activity among children has seen a rise, with 86% exercising daily for at least 60 minutes.

Obesity rates among adults are concerning, too, with over 25% of women and around 21% of men affected. These figures are significantly higher than the regional averages, highlighting a critical health issue that needs addressing.

Learning Through Nature

In the greenhouses, Aida and her team organized various engaging workshops and tastings. For city children, many of whom have never worked the land, it has been an eye-opening experience. Some schools even held summer camps focused on gardening, and the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation hosted a competition for the best school greening project, providing grants for materials. As a result, many schools built vegetable gardens, planted orchards, and created beautiful landscapes.

Promoting sustainable agriculture and healthy eating is essential, especially in Kazakhstan where many depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. With challenging climates and dry winters, it’s vital to raise awareness about these issues.

“Throughout the summer, children engaged in meaningful work in the garden, bringing their ideas to life—a feat made possible by the greenhouse. Many city kids worked the land for the first time, and it felt like we were creating a better future together.”

Paola Nano

Photo credits: @BulatUtemuratovPrivateFoundation and @AidaSerik