In 2011, we were the first group of schools in the UAE to incorporate farming into the curriculum. We aim to train students to live with nature and educate them about their surroundings. Teaching children farming at a young age helps them get perspective on their lives and the world around them. Farming introduces students to basic scientific procedures and shows them how to apply these lessons to daily life. Therefore, we have an organic farm on our different campuses. We teach our students how food is bought to our plates.

Cultivating a love of nature, caring for fellow living organisms, and instilling respect for the labour required to produce the food we eat gave rise to the Habitat farming program. However, the farm is not just a growing space. It is a whole learning zone.

Farming is not a core subject; however, it is compulsory for all students from grades three to eight. Farming classes are conducted once every fortnight.

During the summer, the school focuses on the theoretical part of farming and outdoor activities are limited to the greenhouses where farming is done under temperature and a Humidity-controlled environment. Not only do Habitat schools teach farming to students, but our schools are also famous for planting over 2000 plants and trees. The school farms boost learning and engagement across the curriculum and provide innovative ways to teach students about wellbeing and green issues.

Habitat school campuses have over 75 species of trees, and the majority of the plants are medicinal. In 2019, 10,000 students from three different campuses took part in a ‘Seed to Plant’ initiative to grow saplings from seeds, which broke the Guinness world record for the largest distribution of saplings. We ensure that students are involved in every step of farming for land preparation and harvesting, including irrigation and plant protection. Habitat school allows students to be a part of farming and stay connected to their environment and surroundings. They learn about the importance of farming in a community, learn to work together in planting gardens, and discover how their community provides food to the public. Farming facilitates a bond with nature and its elements.