The Xylem Water Solutions South Africa team touched down in Soweto on Friday to support two schools in the mission for better food nutrition and better access to water.
This was part of Xylem’s Watermark initiative and saw the team help the schools with gardening, installation of drip irrigation systems, preparing tank stand sites, laying of pipework, replacing borehole pumps, and painting. Vegetables that were planted included tomatoes, carrots, and spinach amongst others while the schools’ play areas were also refurbished.
The first stop of the day was at Megatong Primary School in Mapetla, before heading off to Dikgabane Primary School in Chiawelo. Xylem Africa’s Strategy and Marketing Manager, Chetan Mistry said it was important to educate children on sustainability.
“We know that a lot of children are deprived of nutritious food and so we must provide it sustainably. We didn’t just want to donate, but we wanted the school to be able to grow its nutritious vegetables to support the food kitchen programme that they have. We also wanted learners to understand the value of water. So while we are helping the community, we want to educate kids on how to use our scarce resources,” said Mistry.
[also read] – Emshukantambo’s matric class of 2020 shines amongst Pimville schools
The initiative was in partnership with NGO, Community Chest who also dispatched members to the two schools to help, as well as Colourful Splendour Nursery Group.
Speaking for Community Chest, Craig Kensley he and his team were proud to part of this critical initiative.
“We are very proud to be involved in this project. We have a food crisis in the country and food security is critically important. Kids in our communities need to have access to clean, safe, and reliable water. We’ll always be happy to lend a hand to a project that addresses these,” Kensley said.
The visit to the schools was at the first phase of several. Mistry revealed that the next phase would involve the use of rain harvesting systems to pull water so the garden does not rely on municipal water. This, Mistry said, would also be a part of the sustainable use of water. Learners at each of the schools were given booklets containing basic lessons on water and food sustainability.
Megatong Primary School Principal, William Motlhamme extended his gratitude to Xylem Africa and Community Chest.
“Firstly, we want to thank the Xylem and Community Chest. The garden will benefit the school in many ways. Our teachers and learners are learning quite a lot. This is not a one–day event. It’s a huge project. We want to also involve the community at some point. So we are very grateful and very excited about the whole initiative,” said Motlhamme.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
