Zonta Club of Makati Legaspi cultivates equity through sustainable youth project

The Zonta Club of Makati Legaspi, Philippines, is empowering youth through its project, “Cultivating Change: Sowing Equity – Empowering Youth Through Sustainable Growth,” implemented Tanay, Rizal, Philippines.

Held at Joyville Children’s Home, the initiative aims to empower children through gender-inclusive agriculture, fostering environmental stewardship and nutritional independence to help build a climate-resilient community. The project supports Zonta’s advocacy focus, Zonta Says NOW to Gender-Equal Climate Action.

Part of the club’s RISE Program — Reintegrate, Inspire, Support and Educate — the Sowing Equity Project goes beyond growing produce. It teaches sustainable farming skills while ensuring that both boys and girls actively participate in every stage of planting, nurturing and harvesting. By breaking down traditional gender roles, the project builds confidence and reinforces that farming and environmental leadership belong to everyone.

The initiative provides fresh, organic produce directly to the children, promotes healthy eating and environmental responsibility, and demonstrates the value of local food production and green living practices. The December implementation marked the second time the club conducted the project at Joyville. Due to its positive impact on the children’s daily lives and long-term well-being, the club plans to implement the project twice yearly to sustain healthy living within the home and the surrounding community.

Beyond nutrition and education, the project contributes to children’s psychological well-being. Gardening serves as a form of horticultural therapy, offering children — including those who have experienced abandonment or abuse — the opportunity to nurture something from seed to harvest, building self-esteem and reducing stress and anxiety.

The project has reached more than 1,000 individuals, including Joyville residents, staff, administrators and members of the nearby community. Data collected shows measurable outcomes in awareness and knowledge, including a noticeable shift among participants who agreed that “farming is a job for everyone.”