By Joshua Ayankanmi, IITA PYP student, and Edith Ekun, PYP Curriculum Coordinator, IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria.
At The International School of IITA in Nigeria, a young learner named Joshua turned his curiosity into action. For his Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition, Joshua explored the topic of sustainable agriculture and the responsible use of natural resources. His goal was simple: help ensure food security and environmental care, starting in his own school community and expanding into the wider world.
Rooted in curiosity and purpose
Joshua’s passion for the environment and concern about unsustainable farming inspired him to explore the topic. Living in a community driven by food security research helped spark his interest. He wanted to do more than learn—he wanted to educate others and make a difference.
Investigating the big picture
Joshua approached his research with determination. With help from his parents, teacher, and mentor, he studied reports and research papers on renewable energy and farming. He visited farms using solar power, collected data from local agricultural areas, and interviewed experts in engineering and renewable energy.
The process wasn’t always easy. Finding reliable data, managing schoolwork, and scheduling interviews were real challenges. But Joshua pushed through with support from his school team and family. With a personalized schedule and plenty of perseverance, he stayed on track.
Turning learning into action
After understanding the science, Joshua got his hands dirty—literally. He started a garden at school, using sustainable methods to grow vegetables. With the help of his mentor and parents, he harvested and sold the produce at the school gate, raising funds for local farmers. His classmates even joined in, helping with sales and cheering him on.
He didn’t stop there. When funds from the vegetable sales weren’t enough, he wrote letters to the IITA community, asking for donations and support. His mentor helped him follow up, and the response was encouraging. Joshua used the funds to buy seeds and farming tools for farmers in the Akinyele Local Government Area, near his school.
Supporting local farmers
Joshua worked with the local government to identify farmers who needed help. These farmers received cassava stems, maize seeds, and plantain suckers, along with sustainable farming advice. Joshua also took time to teach what he had learned, helping the farmers apply new techniques and reduce environmental harm.
His project created new connections in the community. Farmers began sharing ideas and learning from one another, creating a stronger support network in the process.
Aligning with global goals
Joshua’s project directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger by promoting sustainable farming and improving food access. It also reflects Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through his focus on efficient resource use and reduced waste.
Growing as a learner and leader
Throughout this experience, Joshua discovered a lot about himself. He became more confident and resilient. He learned how to lead a team, ask for help, and adapt when things didn’t go as planned. Academically, he sharpened his research, planning, and communication skills. He connected classroom concepts to real-world issues, reinforcing his learning in a meaningful way.
Living the IB learner profile
Joshua’s project reflects IB values. He showed inquiry, principled action, and a caring attitude. His exhibition was entirely student-led, rooted in research and reflection, and filled with purposeful action—everything the PYP aims to inspire in young learners.
Key takeaways
- Student-led action matters: Joshua's project shows how young people can make real contributions to their communities.
- Local change supports global goals: Joshua sought to address global issues like hunger and sustainability by helping nearby farmers.
- Learning comes alive through action: Joshua applied his knowledge outside the classroom, turning theory into impact.
- IB learners grow through challenge: Joshua learned to manage time, overcome obstacles, and work with others—skills that will stay with him for life.
Joshua’s journey reminds us that meaningful change can begin with a question—and grow with action.
