At The Stoneridge School, we believe every learner carries a spark waiting to be discovered. For
Queen Lily Qiana Quinnz, that spark started in the soil.
Where It All Began
During the COVID lockdown, Lily’s mother taught her, her sister Jasmine, and children in their
neighbourhood how to garden. It was a small, ordinary lesson that became something bigger.
“Some children thought food just came from the fridge,” Lily recalls, “so it was exciting to grow
our own tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, kale and beetroot. We took care of our plants, harvested
them and even made salads with what we grew. I loved it, and it taught me responsibility.”
That season of digging, watering and waiting planted more than vegetables. It planted purpose.
Lily went on to found the Kids Gardening Global Initiative, a child-led movement that has since
helped distribute thousands of tree seedlings across schools and communities, with support
from the National Forestry Authority and Uganda’s Little Hands Go Green.
“Watching a tiny plant grow into something big feels like magic,” she says. “It reminds me that
when we take care of nature, nature takes care of us too.”
Recognition Beyond Her Years
In 2025, Lily became the youngest ever recipient of the National Organic Award, Organic
Champion Below 10 Years, presented by the National Organic Agricultural Movement of
Uganda (NOGAMU) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and
Fisheries (MAAIF) and the African Organic Network (AfrONet). She now serves as Senior Green
Ambassador under Little Hands Go Green, and is the author of Kids Gardening Adventure, a
children’s book encouraging young readers to embrace gardening and healthy living.
She has also shone on stages far from the garden, earning titles including Miss TIPAC Children
Festival 2026, Gold Medalist for Best Inclusive Queen East Africa 2025, and Little Miss Uganda
Ambassador, among others.
Growing Confidence Alongside Confidence in Growing Things
Impressive as the trophies are, Lily is clear about what has shaped her most.
“At The Stoneridge School, I’ve learned to be confident, responsible, and brave enough to share
my ideas,” she says. “We also have different clubs that help us discover our talents and use
what we learn to inspire and help others.”
She points to the people behind that growth too.
“My class teachers have always encouraged me and helped me balance my schoolwork with my
other activities. And my Head Teacher, Mr. Okanya Julius, has believed in me since I started this
project. He always supports me and reminds me that I can do anything if I believe in myself.”
It is this kind of everyday encouragement, alongside platforms like the Young Farmers Club,
Music, Dance and Drama, public speaking and leadership programmes, that The Stoneridge
School sees as its role: not to manufacture achievement, but to give learners room to find their
own.
The Work Isn’t Always Easy
Lily is honest about the challenges too.
“The hardest part is getting some children excited about gardening, because they think getting
their hands dirty is not fun. But once they start planting and see their plants grow, they usually
love it.”
That patience, choosing to keep inviting others in rather than giving up on them, may be as
telling a marker of her character as any award.
What She Wants for Other Children
Lily hopes her example nudges other children into action, not admiration.
“I want children to know they don’t have to wait until they’re adults to make a difference. They
can start now: plant a tree, grow a small garden at home, keep their surroundings clean, and
inspire others to care for our planet.”
Asked what she would tell every child in Uganda, she doesn’t hesitate:
“You’re never too young to protect our planet. Start small: plant a tree, grow a flower, don’t
litter, and care for the environment around you. If every child does one small thing, together we
can make a big difference.”
And when asked what she wants to be known for, beyond the medals and titles, her answer
looks decades ahead.
“I want to be remembered as someone who inspired children to grow their own food, eat
healthier, and care for our planet. I hope one day they will teach their own children too, and
together we can make the future greener and healthier.”
The Stoneridge Difference
Lily’s journey is her own. But it is also a reflection of what happens when a school makes space
for learners to explore beyond the classroom, through clubs, mentorship and the quiet,
consistent belief of teachers who notice what a child is capable of before the child fully does.
Congratulations, Queen Lily Qiana Quinnz. We look forward to celebrating many more
milestones as you continue to learn, discover and inspire.
