Benefits of Healthy Learning: A pupil's perspective!

Emmanuel Mutiso author of winning essay

In the year 2010, beneficiaries of the Healthy Learning Programme (pupils) in 30 primary schools wrote essays on "How you have benefited from the Healthy Learning Programme since it started in your school". Master Emmanuel Mutiso, a standard 7 pupil in Katelembo Primary School - Machakos emerged the winner.

Below is an extract from the winning essay:



" ...  The healthy learning programme has helped me to learn different methods of water harvesting. At home, i have started harvesting underground water by the use of underground gutters and also on roofs.

In keeping water safe for drinking, i have known different methods of making water safe for drinking. First, i boil the water to kill the germs or even add chemicals. By doing this i dont get water borne diseases which are deadly.

The healthy learning programme has helped me know different methods of planting trees and by that i have planted many trees at home. Trees are very important to our environment for example they purify the air, act as windbreakers and by this many roofs are not carried away by wind, they hold the soil firmly hence reduce soil erosion, they also act as shade when their is too much sun and lastly they act as habitat for birds and small animals.

I have started my own orchard where i plant fruits like mangoes, lemons, oranges, pawpaws, sweet melons, guavas and avocadoes, sometimes i take them to the market and sell them at very good prices. I use the money to buy fertilisers and sprays so that i can boost the productivity of my orchard.

Something i have noticed in healthy learning and i had not practised before is the kitchen garden and i am about to start it as soon as i gather all the requirements.

Lastly, i would like to thank the healthy learning programme teachers for the benefits and profit which i and other people have got from the programme which has greatly changed our day to day living standards. Our hygiene has also improved than before the programme. When i grow up, i would like to be a healthy learning educator "

Download winning essay Here