Planting the seeds for a brighter future in Amanzimtoti
As teachers of young children, this could change an entire generation’s outlook on life.
When pre-schools and early childhood development (ECD) centres closed in March, Indwe Learning Centres and Kingsburgh Child and Family Welfare realised how little support practitioners were receiving to respond to the pandemic.
Many did not have, and continue to not have, an income, putting their families at risk of malnutrition and hunger. “Many people look to ECDs in their community for support. We felt the importance of supporting the women who own these facilities and their staff to improve their nutrition supply to mitigate the risk of infection and assist in starting food gardens to improve food security,” said founder Iris Canham.
The organisations conducted workshops to enhance education and learning at St Mary’s Anglican Church on 9 and 10 June. A total of 200 instant meals of nutritious cereal and supplement were supplied to each practitioner for two months, and starter garden kits and training were provided. A follow-up visit to each centre will be done next month to monitor and evaluate implementation, before phase two starts in August.
READ ALSO: Guardian angel protecting Amanzimtoti children
The purpose of the project is:
* Education and empowerment to provide nutrition information and ideas on how to mitigate the effect of Covid-19 on the lives of ECD practitioners;
* Create awareness of the pressures of food security and food systems on women and children;
* Prepare minds, bodies and hands for the emerging reality of Covid-19;
* Prepare ECDs for a new way of teaching children by promoting gardening and the understanding of the importance of growing food;
* Help develop thriving mindsets that change negative attitude to indigenous crops and agriculture in general.
“We believe that by providing basic health education, nutrition empowerment, gardening skills and a supply of nutritious cereal or supplement for two months to keep immune systems healthy will make a difference. It will give teachers access to food, stress release through gardening and the chance to improve food security, to contribute to life-long learning.”
The belief is that when teachers start planting gardens, they will also change the way they teach – from a retail mind to an entrepreneurial mind, from instant gratitude to patience, and instant success to the learning lessons of failure.
READ ALSO: Help for Amanzimtoti ECDs during pandemic
“As teachers of young children, this could change an entire generation’s outlook on life and prepare them better, with greater resilience. There is also a sound connection between hands and mind.”
Another aspect that was raised in the workshop was the power of indigenous and traditional foods that grow widely in backyards and rural settings, and their place in food systems.
“All these elements addressed, if implemented, will have a wonderful impact on families, teachers, communities and children because it can become a way of life. In the long-term we will be able to see a positive effect on our environment, creation of a more caring society, children who think differently and holistically, healthier people and communities committed to take charge of their challenges.
“Thanks to Light Wave Photography, St Winifreds Methodist Church, Camway, Rotary E Club SA one, Caring Hands, Helping Hands and Colleen Smerdon.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
