Schoolchildren Plant 80 Shrubs in Schoolyard – Sécheron

Sécheron School Students Enhance Courtyard with 80 New Shrubs

Students at the École de Sécheron in Geneva have significantly greened their school environment, planting 80 shrubs in their courtyard this Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The initiative, a collaborative effort between four classes, gardeners from the city’s Green Spaces service and the association La Libellule, aims to transform a heavily paved area into a more welcoming and biodiverse space for students. This follows a previous planting of 14 trees in February, marking a broader redevelopment of the school’s outdoor areas.

A Collaborative Effort to Reimagine the Schoolyard

The project wasn’t simply about adding plants; it involved a comprehensive overhaul of the school’s préau (courtyard). Alongside the planting of the shrubs, officials said new play equipment has been installed, including four classic swings, a nest swing, and six fixed bars. The sports field has also been resized to accommodate both football and basketball, offering students more versatile recreational options. The entire project, which began over a year ago, was developed in close consultation with teachers, school administrators, and the school council, ensuring the changes reflect the needs and desires of the school community.

From Bitumen to Biodiversity: The Goals of the Redesign

The core objective of the redevelopment is to reduce the amount of hard surfaces – specifically, large areas of bitumen – and replace them with greenery. This shift is intended to create a more pleasant and conducive environment for student well-being. The transformation addresses a growing recognition of the importance of green spaces in urban schools, providing opportunities for students to connect with nature and benefit from the positive psychological and physiological effects of being outdoors. This aligns with broader initiatives within the City of Geneva to enhance green spaces throughout the city, as detailed in reports from the City of Geneva’s official website.

What Each Stakeholder Brought to the Table

The success of this project hinged on the contributions of several key stakeholders. The students themselves were actively involved in the planting process, gaining hands-on experience and a sense of ownership over the new landscape. The gardeners from the Service des espaces verts provided expertise in plant selection and planting techniques, ensuring the shrubs would thrive in the local environment. La Libellule, an association dedicated to environmental education and conservation, likely played a role in guiding the project’s ecological aspects. Finally, Christina Kitsos, Vice-President of the Administrative Council in charge of social cohesion and solidarity, attended the planting event, demonstrating the city’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life for its residents.

The Process: From Consultation to Completion

The redevelopment of the École de Sécheron’s courtyard wasn’t a quick decision. The project unfolded over more than a year, beginning with extensive consultations with school staff and the school council. This collaborative approach ensured that the final design addressed the specific needs and priorities of the school community. Following the consultation phase, a detailed plan was developed, outlining the proposed changes to the courtyard layout, the selection of new play equipment, and the planting of trees and shrubs. The implementation phase involved the removal of bitumen, the installation of new equipment, and the planting of vegetation, all coordinated by the city’s Green Spaces service and supported by volunteers from La Libellule. The planting of 80 shrubs on March 3rd represents a significant milestone in this ongoing transformation.

Numbers That Matter

80: The number of shrubs planted by students on March 3, 2026.
14: The number of trees planted in February, preceding the shrub planting.
4: The number of new classic swings installed.
6: The number of fixed bars added to the playground.
1+: The number of years spent in consultation and planning for the project.

Looking Ahead: Continued Investment in Geneva’s School Environments

The École de Sécheron project is part of a larger trend of investing in the quality of school environments throughout Geneva. The city recognizes the importance of providing students with access to safe, stimulating, and green spaces where they can learn, play, and connect with nature. As reported by Tribune de Genève, this initiative falls under the broader framework of “Préaux et cours d’écoles à Genève,” suggesting a continued focus on improving schoolyards across the city. Details were not provided regarding the budget allocated for these improvements, or the timeline for future projects. However, the success of the École de Sécheron redevelopment serves as a model for similar initiatives in other schools.

Contact information for further inquiries regarding the project is available through the Département de la cohésion sociale et de la solidarité – Direction, with Christiane Pasteur as the contact for communication. (Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville 4, 1204 Genève, Suisse. Tél. +41 22 418 49 22, Por. + 41 76 358 73 86).

The Geneva Times also covered the event, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project and the positive impact it will have on students’ well-being.