Emshukantambo’s big garden project gains momentum
15 indigenous trees are set to act as a barrier for the 20 x 200 square garden, as opposed to a gate or a fence.
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An impressive garden project is underway at Emshukantambo Secondary School in Pimville – to create an extensive garden as part of the Agri Planting initiative. Various stakeholders and organizations came together to contribute their various skills to the project on Thursday morning.
One of those foundations was the Khuthaza Foundation, which is focused on bringing ecology and biodiversity to the environment. The foundation is also dealing with climate change, a lot of which involves the planting of trees. Co-founder and Director of the foundation, Bianca Wannenburg said that the Coronavirus pandemic showed the importance of planting and having fresh vegetables.
“I think during Covid, where nutrition and vegetables were scarce, we all saw how important it is to have fresh fruit and vegetable, and that’s how we were invited here in Soweto to be a part of this exciting project,” said Wannenburg.
[also read] – Emshukantambo grateful for their new spacious kitchen
15 indigenous trees are set to act as a barrier for the 20 x 200 square garden, as opposed to a gate or a fence. The full project is expected to provide more than one thousand learners at the school with nutritional vegetables.
These will include pumpkin maize, crops, beetroots, and carrots that the school will prepare for it’s feeding scheme. This massive project will happen over a 6 step process that will include seasonal planting: whatever is nutritious for that season will be planted. According to Wannenburg, by February 2021, the garden should be well into development
“Yea definitely, If we can all come together and put in the work like we are today then I think by February we’d like to start fully developing it,” she confirmed.
The school’s project coordinator on behalf of Emshukantambo, Brutus Nemukula said he was proud to see the work that was being done and that the project would benefit the students in more ways than one.
“We are grateful to everyone who came out today, the weather was not the best but we able to get on with the work. It’s a big project that is not only about planting, but also educating and giving these kids practical knowledge of the ecosystem,” he said.
Other organizations contributing to the project are Seriti institute, Earthowl, Gold Course Garden, Crystal Fountain, SEED, the Department of Agriculture, and local farmers from around Pimville.
Emshukantambo’s Principal, Richard Masemola wrapped up the day by thanking everyone who had been involved.
“A school is a community, having these committed people coming to join us at Emshukantambo gives me hope. We hope that this garden becomes the light of green life for the school and the development of the learners. The children will learn and grow an interest in agriculture,” he concluded.
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