Miss Earth finalist gets her hands dirty

Amanda Favel (23) got her hands dirty on Thursday (29 May) when she planted vegetables in Florida Primary School’s new vegetable garden.

The young Miss Earth finalist initiated the vegetable garden, hoping that it will make an impact at the school, which impoverished pupils attend. With vegetable plants such as Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, celery and cabbage – donated to the cause by Rebel Farmers in Allen’s Nek – Favel and some pupils went to work in the garden.

Grade 4 teacher Aga Maistry lent a hand and prepared rows in which the children could plant vegetables.

“We’re really thankful for the idea for the garden and her help in starting it,” says Barbara Fick, school principal. Fick says the school runs a feeding scheme for 32 pupils and the garden could enable them to do more.

Reece Dickson and Jaleel Brothers, both Grade 7 pupils, were excited to partake in the process. In the end their hands were as dirty as Favel’s. After the gardening, every pupil was treated to a juice donated to Favel’s cause by the Miss Earth offices, as well as a free magazine.

For a gallery of the event, click here.