As we stepped into the new school year in January, we were greeted by a truly inspiring sight; three school gardens bursting with fresh produce and making a tangible contribution to the daily meals for school children. Besides providing beautiful patches of greenery, our gardens are vibrant hubs of nourishment, learning, and community resilience. Thanks to the support of Nevermined Diamonds, we’re now taking the next exciting step- breaking ground for our fourth school garden!
A Season of Growth and Abundance
Over the past few months, our school gardens have flourished beyond expectations. So far in Khayelitsha at Sakumlandela and Ntwasahlobo Primary Schools dedicated learners and teachers have been nurturing these green spaces, and the results speak for themselves. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve achieved:
- In one month alone, over 160 kilograms of fresh vegetables harvested
- 1000 meals enriched through the school feeding schemes every day
- A diverse range of crops, from spinach and carrots to tomatoes and herbs, providing much-needed nutrition to students
These numbers represent the real, daily impact of our gardens on young learners, ensuring they receive nourishing meals that support both their health and education. However, the impact of our gardens extends far beyond the numbers. Teachers and students have shared how these spaces have transformed their schools:
“Our learners get to have a space of peace. I am one of the users of the garden where if I feel overwhelmed in my day I can use the garden as a space where I can take my five minutes of breathing. Besides being a nutritious place it’s a place where you can find peace, wholesomeness and just the love of nature.”, Nasi, Teacher.
“It’s a place I can go when I need some peace.”, Iviwe, Earthchild Project Eco Warrior.
These stories highlight how the gardens are more than just sources of food, but are also spaces of learning, empowerment, and connection to nature.
Garden Number Four!
This marks another milestone in our journey to create sustainable food sources in schools and provide hands-on learning opportunities for children. The Yomelela Primary School Garden is part of Earthchild Project and Nevermined’s broader vision to create sustainable green spaces that not only provide nourishment but also cultivate knowledge and inspire action. From seed to plate, the journey of this garden is deeply intertwined with community development and environmental responsibility. Children will learn about regenerative farming, composting, and water conservation, gaining skills that will serve them and their communities for years to come. The garden will also contribute to a healthier environment by promoting biodiversity and reducing the carbon footprint of food supply chains. Thanks to Nevermined’s support, we are exploring innovative ways to ensure long-term sustainability and growth for this project.
By expanding these green spaces, we are not just growing vegetables, we are growing healthier futures, stronger communities, and a movement toward sustainability Like our other three green oases, the Yomelela garden is more than a garden, it is a blueprint for change that we hope will inspire similar projects in communities both locally, and globally.
We invite you to follow along as we document this journey. Watch this space for updates, photos, and the inspiring stories that emerge from our growing network of school gardens.
