St. Kizito High School Namugongo: Nurturing the Next Generation of Green Innovators

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has commended St. Kizito High School Namugongo for its outstanding commitment to promoting sustainable education and practical learning through environmental innovation.

During the 6th Edition of the Green Expo, held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, under the theme “Smart Farming for Food Security,” FAO officials lauded the school for championing an educational approach that nurtures the “whole person”—focusing not only on intellectual growth but also on emotional, physical, spiritual, and social development.

Speaking on behalf of the FAO delegation from Rome, Italy, Mr. Alessandro Donati praised St. Kizito High School for aligning with the UN agency’s mission of achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development.

“This school’s innovative model fosters curiosity, creativity, and a sense of community among learners. It is remarkable how students are gaining skills that directly contribute to global goals of eradicating hunger, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable natural resource management,” said Donati.

He noted that FAO, which operates in more than 130 countries, was proud to recognize a Ugandan school that has effectively localized global objectives through practical, student-led agricultural and environmental projects.

Head Teacher Commends Skill-Based Curriculum

Mr. Ezekiel Kazibwe, the Head Teacher of St. Kizito High School Namugongo, expressed appreciation to FAO for its recognition and support. He emphasized that the Green Expo plays a vital role in showcasing students’ creativity and innovation.

“This program is aimed at teaching skills to our learners to make them functional members of society. The previous education curriculum was largely theoretical, but the new competence-based curriculum found us already prepared and implementing practical projects that equip students with lifelong skills,” Kazibwe said.

He added that the school has prioritized projects in smart agriculture, waste recycling, and renewable energy, helping students understand how to transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities.

Students Exhibit Cutting-Edge Projects

Students expressed excitement and pride in being part of an institution that emphasizes innovation and sustainability.

Ainomugisha Patience (S2), Nelson Igirikwishaka, and Ssemakula Josua, among others, said the hands-on projects are helping them acquire 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy—key to thriving in today’s evolving world. Among the showcased projects were:

Indoor, backyard, and vertical gardening

Non-organic waste recycling and upcycling

Solar, biomass, and hydro power production

Post-harvest food preservation and processing

Livestock feeds production

ICT-based farming and irrigation systems

Bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide production

Cosmetology and herbal medicine innovation

Smart farm inputs and livestock-crop integration

These student-led innovations underscored the expo’s focus on “Smart Farming for Food Security”, reflecting the vital link between education, sustainability, and national development.

A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation

Since its establishment in 1998, St. Kizito High School Namugongo has earned a reputation as a center of academic and practical excellence in Wakiso District and beyond. The school’s holistic approach ensures that students are well-rounded individuals ready to meet the challenges of modern society.

The institution remains inclusive, welcoming learners of all religious and cultural backgrounds while maintaining a strong value-based educational foundation.

Earlier this year, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, St. Kizito High School Namugongo represented Uganda as one of only three Sub-Saharan African finalists in the Global High Schools Category of the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize. The school was selected from over 6,000 global entrants, cementing its place as a continental leader in sustainable education.

Building Skills for a Sustainable Future

Beyond the Green Expo, the school continues to run several student-centered projects, including:

Reusable sanitary pad production

Bakery and cookery

Toothpaste and mouthwash production

Composting and fertilizer manufacturing

Black soldier fly rearing for animal feeds

Post-harvest preservation technologies

Egg quality inspection and poultry farming

Liquid and bar soap making

Mosquito-repellent candle production

Art, craft, fashion, and design

These initiatives reflect St. Kizito’s mission of empowering learners to become innovators, environmental stewards, and community change agents.

“With passion, knowledge, and a commitment to excellence, our students are redefining what education means in the 21st century,” said Kazibwe.

As Uganda strives to strengthen its education system and embrace sustainable development, St. Kizito High School Namugongo stands out as a model institution—where education meets innovation, and young minds are equipped to transform their world.