A leading Pan-African bank, in partnership with Urban Harvest, announced the provision of another sustainable garden as part of its Possibilities Unearthed initiative. Groutville High School in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, has received the much-needed garden.
Addressing Food Insecurity and Sustainable Development
The partnership with Urban Harvest is intended to be a force for good in communities in which it operates through sustainable development and addressing the issues of food insecurity in South Africa.
“We are excited to be in KwaDukuza to make a much-needed contribution to Groutville High School and the wider KwaDukuza community. Access to nutrition is a non-negotiable for our learners, and this garden will help create sustainable access to food and nutrition.
Creating Tangible Impact
This is the type of tangible, positive difference that Absa seeks to create in society and we are delighted to play our part in ensuring that learners have access to quality meals,” said Mandisa Buthelezi, Regional Manager of Everyday Banking at Absa, KwaZulu-Natal.
Learning Through Gardening
Over and above the obvious nutritional benefits, school learners will be actively involved in managing the garden, and learning valuable lessons. “Gardening is an engaging way to teach children about healthy eating habits and the importance of growing their own food, all while encouraging physical activity.
“Children will also learn about water-efficient gardening practices and responsible water usage, skills that are sorely needed in South Africa. Furthermore, in a country that is suffering skyrocketing unemployment levels, such efforts go a long way,” added Buthelezi.
Empowering Communities
Mr Simphiwe Gumede, the school principal at Groutville High School, expressed his excitement, saying, “We would like to thank Absa for choosing our school as the 2023 recipient of the sustainable vegetable garden. This vegetable garden will go a long way to assist our children with the ability to concentrate and perform better in class, while promoting environmental awareness and healthy living.”
“We will ensure that we nurture the seed that Absa has planted to empower our children with the skills and knowledge of growing their own food. Our grade 10 Agricultural Sciences learners will partly be responsible for maintaining the veggie garden,” he adds.
“With the Possibilities Unearthed initiative, we do not only plant seeds for cultivating, but seeds of hope to inspire this young generation and remind them that they can plant their own nutritious food. They must know that we support them and will continue providing opportunities that will help them live healthy lifestyles,” Buthelezi concluded.