Since May 2010, Makgetse High School, in Hammanskraal, has been busily developing a Permaculture food garden with the help of Audi SA and Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA).

Says FTFA representative, Mikal Brown, “These young gardeners have worked hard to get these gardens looking good. We encourage them to continue on this road towards food security. Some of these learners have expressed an interest in following an agricultural career path andI think we can do much to support these desires.

FTFA facilitated the implementation through a series of theoretical and practical permaculture training workshops over a period of one year.  With the funding from Audi SA the project also received materials such as compost, vegetable and herb seeds and seedlings, mulching material, tools and garden equipment.  This formed part of Audi SA’s greening initiative that was started in 2008 and will continue until 2012.

Four classes studying agriculture have each developed a food garden as part of their agriculture course and have been able to integrate practical understanding with the school academic curriculum. The produce of the garden is taken home by the learners and used in their homes.

The enthusiasm among the learners has been encouraging.  They have participated in all the theoretical and practical training given by the FTFA project officer.  The 64 environmental club learners have taken the project to the community, and are committed to applying permaculture at their homes.

To enhance the garden, create a windbreak and shade, ten trees were planted at the launch on 27 May 2011.“The joint collaboration with FTFA is an environmental project aimed at combating the rise in CO2 emissions, while at the same time empowering local communities to sustain their own environments through the transfer of skills and knowledge - this is a definite win-win for us at Audi of South Africa,” expressed Ryan Searle: Head of Audi South Africa

Makgetse High School has 1 200 learners which includes a number of orphaned and vulnerable children. The school is located near an orphanage which has also benefitted from the fresh produce. HIV/AIDS, poverty and unemployment is a great concern in the area. Amongst the worrying social crises are: teenage pregnancy; malnutrition; crime and substance abuse. This school is playing an important role in addressing these social imbalances, with some activities directly related to the gardens.

Ms Nonkqubela Maliza, Director for Corporate and Government Affairs at Volkswagen of South Africa said, “It is our hope that no learner at Makgeste High School or child in the surrounding community will ever have to go hungry again. However, it is up to the staff and learners of the school to ensure they put the skills learned to good use, and make this project sustainable in the long term”.