A Kyalami school has undertaken a new community gardening project to feed members throughout the area with home-grown produce.
Learners from The Matriarch started the year with the project and getting the allocated space ready to plant their new garden.
Principal at the school Laila Hernandez said there is a lack of essential life skills in the younger generation. “We are addressing this in a positive, community-orientated approach that benefits not only our learners but our immediate community. We hope to empower our learners with fundamental knowledge while encouraging a caring and understanding of our communities,” she said.
The Grade 4 to 12 learners involved have had a big hand in the project. They have built the plant boxes for the produce and herbs, as well as planted and maintained the garden.
Some of the vegetables learners will be growing and distributing to community members include onions, beans, tomatoes, peppers, chillies and a range of herbs.
Teacher at the school, Pamela Blazeby said she is also assisting with growing veggies at her house – gem squash, butternut, string beans and pumpkin. The produce will be grown and distributed to people in need. “As we see a need, we will distribute. Single mothers are important to get food too. One of our staff members also has a set of different ideas like giving to the recyclers as well,” she said.
“If a parent comes to us and says there is a family in need, we will put a care package together to send to those in need. It’s good for the children to see what is in our world, in our country and learn to help.”
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