Pragati Chaswal’s kitchen garden began as a simple way to get her son to eat more vegetables. Today, her SowGood Foundation’s urban farming curriculum transforms education for 78,000 children across 28 Delhi schools by turning every unused space into a living classroom.
- 78,000 children learn farming through a 3-year curriculum
- Gardening takes place in rooftops, corridors, and recycled containers
- Hands-on farming teaches sustainability alongside core subjects
What happened
Pragati Chaswal’s journey began with a small kitchen garden to encourage her son to eat more vegetables. Watching him connect with the soil inspired her to create the SowGood Foundation and develop a three-year curriculum focused on urban farming. Since then, the program has expanded to 28 schools, engaging 78,000 children in growing their own food and learning about nature.
The initiative uses creative spaces like rooftops, classroom windows, and recycled bottles to establish gardens where children plant fast-growing crops such as microgreens, methi, and spinach. These gardens turn into active learning environments where students apply scientific concepts, practice measuring and writing skills, and collaborate on tasks like composting and watering.
Why it feels good
Experiencing nature firsthand brings education to life in ways traditional classrooms cannot. Children develop a sense of ownership and responsibility as they care for their plants, gaining practical knowledge about food production, environmental sustainability, and teamwork. This hands-on learning helps build confidence and problem-solving skills.
Moreover, the joy of harvesting and cooking their produce creates a connection between healthy eating and everyday life. Students proudly share their experiences, fostering a community spirit and instilling lifelong habits that contribute to healthier lifestyles and environmental stewardship.
What to enjoy or watch next
Schools interested in incorporating gardening can start small by identifying even modest spaces and gradually expanding their growing projects. Pragati encourages educators to stay committed to making farming an integral, ongoing part of the curriculum rather than a one-time activity.
For anyone inspired by this model, following SowGood Foundation’s growth or exploring similar urban farming initiatives can offer valuable insights. Watching how these gardens transform educational experiences might spark new ideas for community engagement and sustainable living in other cities.