The Sprightly Seed, a dedicated public benefit organisation committed to environmental sustainability, social development, and education announced the launch of its new organic garden at Bel Porto School. The unveiling of the community garden timed perfectly with the global observance of World Soil Day highlights the non-profit’s commitment to promoting food security, sustainable practice, and community engagement.
“The new garden is more than just a plot of land; it represents a vital step towards enhancing food security and nutrition, especially crucial in South Africa where, according to recent statistics, about 27% of the country’s children, under the age of five, experience pro-longed periods of under nutrition. The PBO aims to be a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable gardening practices in the region”, says Jade Orgill, Managing Director and Human Development Specialist at The Sprightly Seed.
In alignment with its goals, The Sprightly Seed is poised to become the community's preferred destination for all gardening essentials, including a wide selection of seeds, organic plants, fruits, and vegetables. The organic garden also serves as an educational hub, with training programs designed to empower individuals, schools and the Southern Suburbs community of Cape Town. These programs focus on food sustainability, nutrition and environmental stewardship, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency.
Orgill has unveiled a strategic five-year plan dedicated to fostering connection between the earth and human kind "Our roadmap for our organic market garden programme at Bel Porto School is comprehensive, integrating key components such as experiential outdoor education, management of post-harvest processes, beneficiating garden produce into earth and people-friendly products, seamless curriculum integration, and ensuring knowledge access and inclusive skills development. This blueprint underscores our pledge to cultivate a self-sustaining environment that serves the broader community. Moving forward, we are eager to deepen our community ties through interactive workshops and collaborative partnerships, aiming to nurture and expand our initiative within Bel Porto School and across the schools in the Cape Metros."
Principal Ilona Herman of Bel Porto School shares her vision on the garden project, "The organic garden initiative at Bel Porto is more than just an educational tool; it's a nurturing ground for empowerment and independence. Through this garden, our students with intellectual and physical disabilities receive practical training that equips them with valuable life skills. They are actively involved in the cultivation, processing and sale of produce, which not only fosters a sense of accomplishment but also generates crucial funds for the school. This project is a cornerstone in our mission to guide our students towards self-sufficiency, and the confidence to step into the workplace meaningfully prepared. We are planting seeds of opportunity that we believe will flourish into brighter futures for each student involved."
In celebration of World Soil Day, The Sprightly Seed emphasizes the need for medium-scale physical and social infrastructure funding and partnership support that will benefit both the development of organic gardens in the school context. This garden is not just a place to grow food; it's a centre for community learning and engagement.
Excitingly, the Organic Market Garden will open its doors to the public starting from December 5th. Open during school hours, from 9 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday, this market will offer a variety of nursery products, fruits, and vegetables. For those seeking specific items, made-to-order services are available by contacting The Sprightly Seed at 061 690 2265 or via email at thesprightlyseed@gmail.com.
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