The Garden of Old Shoes

In Ibadan, a curious class discovers a pile of old shoes behind a store. Instead of throwing them away, the children clean them, prepare them with adult guidance, and plant pepper seedlings inside. What begins as a simple recycling activity soon turns into a lively “shoe garden” — the most talked-about corner in the school.

The Garden of Old Shoes introduces young readers to the idea that waste can be transformed into something useful. Through a relatable school setting and hands-on action, children learn early lessons about reuse, care for plants, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.

Designed for Primary pupils (Ages 8–10), this story supports early learning in:

• Recycling and waste-to-resource thinking

• Basic gardening and plant care

• Environmental awareness and responsibility

• Creative problem-solving and teamwork

Perfect for classrooms, home reading, school libraries, and sustainability programs.