With funding from the European Union, more than 3,400 school children in Syria are benefiting from highly nutritious fruit and vegetables through a first-ever school garden and nutrition education programme that is teaching students about the importance of a balanced and healthy diet. Through the programme, 300 teachers are now trained in 17 schools – including in conflict-affected Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Idleb and Rural Damascas.

The school gardens promote a “whole school” approach to nutrition education, in which classroom learning is linked with practical activities, reinforced by a nutrition- and health-friendly school environment that involves the participation of all school personnel, families and the community.