Poshayi St. Mary’s Primary School
Background
Founded: 1948
Location: Shurugwi District, Marufu Village, Nhema, Zimbabwe
Enrollment: 332 students
Students harvesting pawpaw fruits | Students exhibiting their herbal products
One course. Four dimensions. Unlimited impact.
Vision
To cultivate a self-sustaining educational environment through Integrated Land Use Design (ILUD), empowering students, teachers, and the community to collaboratively achieve food security, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.
Mission
Poshayi St. Mary’s Primary School is committed to fostering a holistic educational experience by integrating ILUD principles into its pedagogy, emphasizing economic viability, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. Through collaborative efforts involving students, teachers, and the community, the school implements practical methodologies such as water harvesting techniques, mandala beds, contour beds (C-beds), and swales. These practices are aligned with GAIA Education's frameworks, ensuring that learners engage in hands-on activities that promote ecological awareness, community development, and sustainable livelihoods.
Values
Gaia School’s value system is based on the principles of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The school is named after the planet Earth — Gaia is the Greek name for Earth. The core values of Gaia School include love, awareness, joy, trust, freedom, openness, connection, co-creation, experience, and abundance.
These values are organized according to the four main areas of the Gaia Education program: worldview, economic, ecological, and social. Accordingly, the school is founded on four basic values, which are outlined as follows:
Worldview — the value is collaboration.
Economy — the value is the courage to lead change.
Ecology — the value is sustainability.
Social — the value is supporting individuality.
Vision
Gaia School is a learning environment grounded in the principles of Gaia Education — promoting a sustainable lifestyle and care for both the Earth and people. It supports students’ ability to develop excellent collaboration skills, live according to sustainable values, and take responsibility for themselves and the world around them.
The vision of Gaia School can be summed up with the motto: Healthy People, Healthy Community, Healthy World!
Mission
Gaia School values the individual needs of each student. The school focuses on nature studies and cultural heritage, which help integrate different subjects and provide a holistic learning experience.
Values
Gaia School’s value system is based on the principles of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The school is named after the planet Earth — Gaia is the Greek name for Earth. The core values of Gaia School include love, awareness, joy, trust, freedom, openness, connection, co-creation, experience, and abundance.
These values are organized according to the four main areas of the Gaia Education program: worldview, economic, ecological, and social. Accordingly, the school is founded on four basic values, which are outlined as follows:
Worldview — the value is collaboration.
Economy — the value is the courage to lead change.
Ecology — the value is sustainability.
Social — the value is supporting individuality.
Pedagogy, Methodology, Approach
Gaia School follows the principles of Gaia Education, promoting a holistic worldview and a sustainable lifestyle, with care for the Earth and human well-being. The school is a community-based environment where parents, children, and teachers form a learning community. Everyone can take on the roles of both teacher and student — we learn from one another.
We believe that school should not exist separately from everyday life. It is not an isolated institution, but rather a supportive and comfortable environment where both teachers and students can learn together through shared experiences and knowledge.
Learning is often project-based, allowing children to explore topics in depth and develop independence. The school does not treat knowledge as isolated facts but integrates learning into holistic experiences based on students interests.
One week of each seven-week learning cycle is dedicated to several projects. During this time, students either visit places related to their current topic of study or work on a personal project. Afterward, students present their work to the others. Every last day of the project week is a joint celebration.
At Gaia School, we integrate the "Head, Hands, and Heart" approach to ensure learning engages the mind, practical skills, and emotional intelligence.
Through academic subjects, we develop students’ critical thinking and understanding of the world (Head).
Hands-on activities such as gardening, crafts, and project-based learning help students apply knowledge in meaningful, real-life contexts (Hands).
Emotional awareness, mindfulness practices, and community-building exercises nurture empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging (Heart).
This holistic method supports the development of well-rounded individuals who are intellectually curious, practically capable, and emotionally grounded.
Connection with Gaia Education
Gaia School is founded on the principles of Gaia Education, which integrates sustainability, a holistic worldview, and real-life-based learning. The school is guided by the four dimensions of Gaia Education: ecological, social, economic, and worldview.
Students learn to understand the interconnections between nature and society, developing a responsible attitude toward the Earth and their environment.
The school aims to support the development of global citizens who understand the connections between global challenges and seek solutions through local actions.
Gaia School is part of the international Gaia Education network, sharing and drawing inspiration from global initiatives and experiences.
How is the EDE Curriculum / 4D Applied in Daily Activities?
At Gaia School, the EDE (Ecovillage Design Education) Curriculum and its Four Dimensions — Social, Ecological, Economic, and Worldview — are embedded in our daily learning and school culture. These dimensions are not taught as separate subjects but are interwoven into all activities, creating a holistic and meaningful learning experience.
Social
• Fostering community engagement through collaborative gardening projects and environmental conservation initiatives.
• Promoting inclusive decision-making involving students, teachers, and community members.
• Enhancing social cohesion by involving parents and local leaders in school activities.
Highlights: Enhanced community participation and strengthened school-community relationships.
Challenges: Ensuring consistent engagement from all stakeholders.
Ecological
• Implementing sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of mandala beds, C-beds, and swales for water harvesting and soil conservation.
• Maintaining a school garden that serves as a living classroom for ecological education.
• Engaging students in tree planting and composting to improve environmental health.
Highlights: Improved soil fertility and biodiversity through sustainable farming practices.
Challenges: Managing pests and adapting to climate variability.
Economic
• Generating income through the sale of surplus produce and herbal products cultivated in the school garden.
• Reinvesting earnings into school development projects and community support programs.
• Developing entrepreneurial skills among students through market participation.
Highlights: Diversified income streams supporting school programs and reducing financial dependency.
Challenges: Market fluctuations affecting the sale of produce and herbal products.
Worldview
• Instilling values of sustainability, self-reliance, and environmental consciousness in students.
• Encouraging reflective practices and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of human and ecological systems.
• Integrating cultural heritage and traditional knowledge into the curriculum.
Highlights: Cultivation of a sustainability-oriented mindset among students and staff.
Challenges: Integrating traditional beliefs with contemporary sustainability concepts.
Short Story about Local Impact
From a Desert to an Oasis
Poshayi St. Mary’s Primary School in Shurugwi was once a dry, dusty place with bare grounds and struggling learners. Through Integrated Land Use Design, the school transformed into a green, thriving learning space. With mandala beds, water harvesting, and herbal gardens, it now feeds its students and supports the community.
Its herbal centre has become a beacon of hope—treating ailments and generating income. Poshayi has won top awards at the ZITF, Agricultural Shows, and national schools exhibitions. From a dry land to a green oasis, the school now shines with pride and purpose.
Testimonials, Stories, Quote
"Integrating ILUD into our curriculum has transformed our teaching approach, making learning more practical and impactful."
(Teacher)
"Working in the school garden has taught me valuable skills and the importance of caring for our environment."
(Student)
"The school's initiatives have not only educated our children but also uplifted our entire community."
(Parent)
"Our commitment to sustainability has positioned us as a model for other schools in the region."
(School Administrator)
"The collaborative efforts between the school and community have yielded remarkable outcomes, showcasing the power of unity."
(School Chairperson)
Economic Framework through ILUD
• Income Generation:
- Sale of vegetables, fruits, and herbal products cultivated in the school garden.
- Participation in local markets and exhibitions to promote and sell products.
• Resource Management:
- Utilization of composting techniques to reduce waste and improve soil health.
- Rainwater harvesting systems to ensure a sustainable water supply for agricultural activities.
• Reinvestment:
- Funds generated are reinvested into school infrastructure, educational materials, and community development projects.
Environmental Improvement Initiatives at Poshayi Primary School
- Regular tree planting campaigns to combat deforestation.
- Establishment of a composting system to manage organic waste.
- Implementation of water conservation measures, including the use of swales and rainwater harvesting.
- Promotion of biodiversity through the cultivation of diverse plant species in the school garden.
School Website and other links
Know more about Poshayi St. Mary’s Primary School visiting it’s online material
Energy Systems Course Format and Details
Course format:
Online, flexible modules
Price:
200 GBP
Limited number of partial scholarship available, apply here by 15 Feb 2026
Duration:
5 weeks
Workload:
Approximately 5 hours per week
Structure:
Live sessions, Forums and complimentary material
Live Sessions
Four 2,5 hours interactive sessions with Curtis Ogden
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
No previous experience is required. All you need is a passion for community building and collaboration.
The course is designed to fit busy schedules with around 10 hours per week of flexible study. Though highly encouraged, Live Sessions are not mandatory and are recorded to be watched later.
Yes! The course provides hands-on tools you can apply immediately in your community.
An energy systems course explores how energy flows through living, social, and economic systems, and how these flows shape resilience, equity, and long-term sustainability.
No. This course is accessible and experiential, combining systems science with practical tools and real-world applications.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes. The course is designed for people working in community development, sustainability, education, social innovation, and regenerative design.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
An energy systems course explores how energy flows through living, social, and economic systems, and how these flows shape resilience, equity, and long-term sustainability.
No. This course is accessible and experiential, combining systems science with practical tools and real-world applications.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes. The course is designed for people working in community development, sustainability, education, social innovation, and regenerative design.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
An energy systems course explores how energy flows through living, social, and economic systems, and how these flows shape resilience, equity, and long-term sustainability.
No. This course is accessible and experiential, combining systems science with practical tools and real-world applications.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes. The course is designed for people working in community development, sustainability, education, social innovation, and regenerative design.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
An energy systems course explores how energy flows through living, social, and economic systems, and how these flows shape resilience, equity, and long-term sustainability.
No. This course is accessible and experiential, combining systems science with practical tools and real-world applications.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes. The course is designed for people working in community development, sustainability, education, social innovation, and regenerative design.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
Education is a key driver in co-creating a regenerative future.
Grow your understanding of energy flows and systems design. Be part of building a more just, regenerative, and sustainable future.
Secure your place today and start your transformative journey!
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