Who knew that when the provincial ecopreneurs joined FTFA for the annual training workshops, that it would turn out to be far more stimulating than just a long week of paperwork?

Activities kicked off with a drumming workshop hosted by the fabulous Drum Café. We all pinged, banged and drummed and the singing nightingales in ethnic beading led us with hip shaking, hand clapping, finger snapping rythmn that was contagious and affected even the birds in the trees above.

The rest of the workshops offered ecopreneurs an opportunity to discuss the rollout and implementation process of each programme and make suggestions  which would streamline the administration processes.  Being on the ground, ecopreneurs have great insight into what potential issues can arise and the frank and open discourse was the ideal platform to iron out problems.Each programme, not to mention the programme managers, received a thorough going over.

The week included a site visit to the pilot bamboo project sponsored by Eqstra Flexi Logistics in Leandra and concluded on a high note with a medicinal herb workshop held by Ewald Viljoen. When a group of passionate and committed permaculturists gather, you can bet you are going to learn a lot about the secret life of plants.

To all participants, we thank you for sharing, laughing, uplifting and infusing our first week back at work with a tangible energy that left us inspired and rejuvenated.