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The Nnabagereka (Queen) of Buganda on her visit to the school
Over the years, these kids have reaped the benefits of a truly interactive education, by producing their own educational TV show for a local cable station, hosting international royalty, annually planting, tending and harvesting a garden, and making quilts for Katrina relief projects and winning in art exhibitions.
The kids even staged their own four-day Olympic games festival, complete with stadium, parade of nations, and flame. Of course, having a heated, in-ground pool on campus, helped.
Greenhouse School Gold Medal art winner
In 2005, the students also developed fundraising activities for the tsunami survivors, which instilled a sense of global citizenship while it increased involvement in both the local and world arenas. This project was chronicled in the media, enhancing the ripple effect of their humanitarian efforts by inspiring others to offer aid to the tsunami survivors as well.
Greenhouse School 2008 Pentel Winners
The school’s vision is to become a model of energy self-sufficiency, living more closely attuned to their green values, by installing an innovative new type of passive solar panel. Not only would students enjoy the benefit of a more healthy and ecologically sound environment, but they would have the opportunity to live the vision of sustainability and gain significant real world experience in the various facets of the green construction trades, as part of their schooling.
In addition, the school has been experimenting with biofuels for supplemental heating as well as looking for an old diesel bus to convert to run on vegetable oil.
Like the Little Engine That Could, this little school seems to continually be huffing and puffing to stay on top of the inclines, depending not on huge tuitions for its support, but filling in the gaps with auctions, fundraisers, and sales of arts and crafts to keep their educational vision afloat.
The school is currently working hard to meet a matching grant challenge of $15,000 for purchasing much-needed supplies. Now that’s a lot of handmade paper and soaps!
In addition, Nambalirwa-Lugudde has developed a line of charming, one-of-a-kind critters handmade from recycled sweaters. Sales help support the school.
Julia's adorable critters made from recycled sweaters
Or, consider a gift of a Peace Bird, lovingly made from recycled tissue papers, wire, glue and light!
Tissue paper Peace Bird
Somebody on your gift list would be thrilled with a gift from the heart of the Greenhouse, so do a little shopping. If you can, consider throwing in a little donation born of the holiday spirit, and consider it a very green investment in a slice of America’s youth.
