The DBE’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) team is pleased that schools have adopted the School Food Garden initiative to promote healthy eating routines amongst learners. The School Food Garden initiative was introduced to the Basic Education Sector in 2004, to present an opportunity to educators and learners to obtain hands-on experience and insights into small-scale agricultural initiatives.

Mr Michael Gama from the NSNP Directorate, said that the initiative had made it possible for schools to grow vegetables to provide learners with the necessary knowledge and skills required for healthy eating. “Growing vegetables, herbs and ornamentals, as well as rearing small livestock, including aquaponics has social and economic benefits as it provides micronutrient-rich meals, whilst generating income. There is immense potential within schools, from supplying local retailers to exporting seeds, herbs, flowers and other ornamentals. In addition, school food gardens can be utilised as teaching and learning resources. The practice of growing plants can be integrated widely across learning areas, including natural science and social science. This practice can also be linked with career guidance and outlines the specialties within the fields of nutrition, agriculture and environmental management. Learners can be advised accordingly to pursue their preferences for careers such as an Agricultural Economist; Biotechnologist; Agricultural Engineer; Food Scientist; Viticulturalist; Oenologist; and Plant Pathologist, including entrepreneurship.”

He also added that, “the DBE extends its gratitude to government departments, public entities, the private sector, NGOs and CBOs for their support in strengthening the project. Food gardens present a platform for networking among local, regional and national stakeholders. Partners provide information; technical support; seeds and seedlings; tools, water tanks; rainwater harvesting facilities; vegetable tunnels; aquaponics systems; and the drilling of boreholes. Once on-board, partners pledge their support even beyond the requirements for food gardens by offering infrastructure development, curriculum support resources and bursaries to well performing learners. It also increases employment opportunities as schools require support personnel such as gardeners to keep the initiative alive, contributing towards building sustainable communities”.