In April 2011 The Nontsikelelo Drop in Centre approached SCAW Metals for support in a greening initiative at their grounds in Wattville, Gauteng.

The Nontsikelelo Centre comprises of an adult centre, a clinic (which is not operational at the moment), a computer centre as well as the drop in centre where 307 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) receive support. The centre helps these OVC’s with homework, provides one home cooked meal a day and donates food parcels to those that need them most.

On 30 August 2011 implementation of the garden at the Nontsikelelo centre began.  On the day, project representatives from  Wattville and surrounding areas were invited for training. The workshop was designed to convey the basics of Permaculture methodology, and has benefitted these community members and enabled them to apply their acquired skills at their respective projects.

Since implementation, produce is bursting out of the garden and it is clear that the Nontsikelelo project is doing very well. It is encouraging to see the 300 OVCs receive a nutritious plate of food with fresh vegetables from the garden. “It is such a blessing and so inspiring, and this is the greatest reward we receive for the work we do” said Busi Wawa, FTFA Project Officer.