WBR Food garden project
FOOD GARDENS IN COLLABORATION WITH WATERBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Funding from Waterberg Rhino UK has been instrumental in getting food gardens up and running again, during this acute time of need. The effects of the pandemic have reduced incomes for so many families and placed extra pressure on schools to provide greater nutrition for children during the day.
Eight schools, a community co-operative and a clinic, in and around the Vaalwater area in the Waterberg, have benefited from the delivery of 9,000 seedlings. Cabbages, onions, spinach, beetroot and tomatoes have been planted and all are doing well. From these tiny seeds has grown the ability to feed some 2,855 children, as well as patients from the clinic. Any extra produce is sold to earn some income or to invest back into the gardens.
The planting and management of the gardens is overseen by Daniel Mashasha who works in conjunction with the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. The support from such a vital and important community body is hugely beneficial to the scheme. Through his knowledge and interaction with the schools, Daniel is also able to underline the importance of wildlife protection and environmental awareness to the children, to further increase their passion and knowledge of the world around them and the benefit it has to their lives.
The schools currently under the scheme are: Serupa, Galakwena, Monala, Rabasotho, Ralehumane, Ntebeleleng, Nkidikitlana, Matlou as well as the Masebe Community Project and Nkidikitlana Clinic.
This is an ongoing project in collaboration with Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, with further funding scheduled at the end of July to sustain the gardens during the winter months.