At Nthabza Primary School in Malawi, access to water has long been a challenge. The school and surrounding community relied on a hand-pumped well that often struggled to meet demand, particularly during the dry season.

For Deputy Head Teacher Jotala Mdondo, the consequences were felt throughout the school. Limited water affected hygiene, food production, and the school's ability to create a healthy learning environment for hundreds of students.

Through CPAR's Green Schools Network project, however, Nthabza Primary School has transformed how it uses water and land with the installation of a rainwater harvesting system that captures and stores water during the rainy season for use throughout the year. With a reliable water source in place, the school established three large fenced gardens that produce a variety of crops. The harvest helps feed students and teachers while surplus produce is sold to generate income for the school.

The additional revenue helps address pressing needs. Many students lack desks and chairs and often sit on the ground during lessons, while teachers face shortages of basic educational materials such as books, chalk, and writing supplies. Income from the gardens provides schools with funds to purchase these essential resources.

The project also inspired innovative local solutions. Working alongside teachers and students, CPAR helped develop a drainage system that channels water from the community well through hand-dug trenches into micro-gardens. As a result, banana and mango trees are flourishing, using recycled water that would otherwise be lost.

Village Headman Cheluka has witnessed the changes firsthand. He says the rainwater harvesting system has reduced pressure on the seasonal community well, improved access to water for handwashing and hygiene, and created new opportunities for sustainable food production and income generation.

Nthabza's success reflects the broader impact of CPAR's Green Schools Network project in Malawi. Since launching in 2016, the initiative has integrated agriculture into daily school life, helping schools grow food while teaching students practical permaculture skills they can apply at home and in their communities. As of 2025, the project has reached more than 19,000 students and supported the construction of 15 rainwater harvesting systems.

Together, these investments are helping schools become more self-sufficient by improving nutrition, strengthening learning environments, and equipping the next generation with skills that will benefit their communities for years to come.