By Jesse Ampah
Accra, Jan. 16, GNA – Sakafia Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi has been awarded the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Global High Schools – Sub-Saharan Africa category.
The school was recognized for its aquaponics project, which combines aquaculture and hydroponics to tackle food insecurity while promoting sustainable agricultural practices within the school and the surrounding community.
The project features a closed-loop system that produces both fish and vegetables by integrating aquaculture and hydroponics.
This method reduces water consumption, boosts food production, minimises environmental impact, and provides a practical, scalable solution to the region’s food security issues.
Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, commended the school’s initiative, stating, “by harnessing innovative techniques to address food security, Sakafia Islamic Senior High School exemplifies the role of education in driving sustainability.”
“This project not only highlights the power of youth-led solutions but also underscores how schools can serve as hubs for transformative community impact,” he added.
Mr. Mohamed Shahid, Principal of Sakafia Islamic Senior High School, said that the prize would not only transform the school’s approach to sustainability but also empower students and the broader community with the knowledge and tools to create lasting positive change.
He said that the award would allow the school to incorporate the aquaponics system into its curriculum and provide around 50 students with hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices, while directly benefiting over 1,000 people through access to fresh produce and training workshops.
“The project will also serve as a hub for community engagement, promoting awareness of sustainable agriculture among local farmers and families,” he added.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognises organizations and high schools that implement impactful solutions in Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
Since its launch, the Prize has positively impacted over 407 million lives globally, honoring the visionary legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Since 2013, the Global High Schools category has been awarded to 56 schools from six regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, the Middle East and North Africa, Europe and Central Asia, South Asia, and East Asia and the Pacific.
These winners have affected the lives of over 56,599 students and 480,660 people in their broader communities.
GNA