UNDP has concluded an innovative initiative that brought practical environmental education directly into classrooms.

Implemented in 10 educational institutions across Georgia, the project engaged more than 500 children and 30 teachers in hands-on learning about healthy soil, composting, and urban gardening. 

Funded with up to US$40,000 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the 12-month initiative was delivered through the Czech–UNDP Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in collaboration with two civil society organisations: Georgia’s ‘Kona’ and the Czech-based ‘Kokoza’.

Participating schools included: Public School #137 (Tbilisi), Waldorf Free School (Tbilisi), Azrovebnis Akademia (Tbilisi), Cervantes Gymnasium AIA-GESS (Tbilisi), Kvemo Chala Public School (Kvemo Chala), Kvemo Chala Kindergarten (Kvemo Chala), Public School #8 (Gori), Kaspi Vocational Educational College (Kaspi), and two nonformal education centres – the Kona Youth Centre (Kvemo Chala) and ‘BageBee’ Beekeeping Regional Centre (Tskhneti).

In March 2026, project participants gathered at Cervantes Gymnasium AIA-GESS in Tbilisi to reflect on the results achieved and explore opportunities to strengthen environmental education in schools.

“Gardening helps children develop a lasting connection to nature. That connection is key to shaping responsible environmental behaviour,” said Kateřina Šilhánková, Head of Development Cooperation at the Czech Embassy in Georgia. “The success of this pilot initiative shows that innovative, practical approaches can transform classrooms into spaces where sustainability is lived, not just taught.”

Kateřina Linhartová, Project Analyst for the Czech–UNDP Partnership for the SDGs at the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, highlighted the importance of piloting scalable innovations:

“The Czech–UNDP Partnership connects countries with proven, innovative solutions developed in the Czech Republic. By fostering collaboration across the private sector, academia, civil society, and the public institutions, we aim to scale up impactful approaches that advance inclusive, climate-smart development,” Linhartová said.

From Idea to Impact

The project ‘Growing Green: Soil Education and Green Laboratories for Georgia’ began with a simple but powerful idea. Jana Kowalová and Marcela Minaříková from the Georgia-based civil society organisation ‘Kona’ came together around a shared passion for environmental protection, healthy lifestyles, and innovative learning.

Their vision gained momentum after connecting with ‘Kokoza’, a Czech social enterprise known for promoting urban gardening, composting, and sustainable living. What started as an exchange of ideas soon evolved into a project proposal, submitted to the UNDP Challenge Fund 2024 and supported with up to US$40,000 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

In March 2025, the project officially launched with a series of hands-on workshops for 30 educators, including schoolteachers from selected educational institutions and university students specialising in agronomy. Each session introduced a methodological toolbox, featuring soil- and compost-related games, microbiological plush toys, and interactive learning techniques tailored for young learners.

Ten educational institutions (six schools, a college, a kindergarten, and two nonformal education centres) received support to introduce practical learning and establish Green Laboratories for composting and gardening.

Throughout their exciting educational journey, students learned about the microorganisms that enrich soil and help reduce organic waste. They explored how to produce compost and transform schoolyards into beautiful gardens and orchards, using raised beds, fertile soil, and quality seeds.

Insights gained from these practical activities informed a teacher’s guide, jointly developed by the Czech ‘Kokoza’ and the Georgian civil society organisation ‘Elkana Association’, to support year-round garden-based learning in classrooms.

Evidence of Change

The ‘Growing Green’ project has received positive feedback from both teachers and students. Participants noted that practical, hands-on environmental education fosters curiosity, responsibility, and a strong sense of community among young learners.

These observations align with research from Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (USA), which shows that garden-based learning not only strengthens environmental awareness but also improves children’s nutrition choices, psychological well-being, academic performance, and essential life skills such as cooperation, adaptability, and patience.

“I would advise every school to dedicate even a small space in the schoolyard to composting,” said Tinatin Laghidze, a teacher at the Cervantes Gymnasium AIA-GESS in Tbilisi.

Nino Psuturi from Gori Public School #8 highlighted that garden-based learning boosts students’ motivation and enthusiasm. She also observed that children who are usually less active in traditional classroom settings become more engaged, communicative, and confident.

Teachers consistently emphasised that garden-based learning helped their students develop a deeper sense of responsibility for the planet, become more mindful of waste, and build persistence and patience through regular, practical work.

Background

The Czech-UNDP Partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a flexible platform that brings Czech expertise to countries across Europe and Central Asia. It supports innovative solutions by introducing new methods, ideas, and technologies rooted in Czech experience and know-how.

Disclaimer

The project ‘Growing Green: Soil Education and Green Laboratories for Georgia’ was implemented by UNDP through the Czech Challenge Fund, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The contents of this press release do not necessarily represent the official views of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Media Contact

• Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP in Georgia, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org