'Garden classroom' a hit among learners

GEORGE NES - A vegetable garden that serves as a 'garden classroom' at Dellville Park Primary School is proving to be a hit among learners.

The garden was started in November last year and is already helping the school's feeding scheme to feed more hungry learners than otherwise possible.

The school receives a subsidy from the Education Department for just over 100 learners, but the real need is for 380 learners.

Learners, who joined about three weeks ago for the first time, now have the opportunity to become members of two garden clubs formed for the different grades.

There is a garden club for Grade 1-3 learners and one for Grade 4-6 as an extra-curricular activity, while the Grade 7 learners have a lesson in the garden once a week as part of their curriculum.

"The two garden clubs have 25 members each and there is a waiting list of others wanting to join. The children are keen, smart and enthusiastic," says Sally Versfeld, Usapho Indlu founder and CEO, who started with the garden initiative here.

Learners are taught every step in creating and maintaining an organic food garden.

Versfeld says their aim is to have a complete system going. Water comes from the school's four 20 000-litre rainwater tanks. Grass cuttings from the school's rugby field are used as mulch and to make compost.

Sheep manure from the Van Rensburg farm, and peels from Food on the Move and members of the public also go to the compost heap. George Municipality has given composting bins where learners throw away their peels.

A garden enthusiast supplies seedlings that he grows at home. A fridge was donated where the vegetable harvests can be kept fresh for the feeding scheme.

Jonathan Sauer of Usapho Indlu and learners planting beetroot seedlings. From the left are: Milanie Titus, Gracelynn Seconds, Chesmine Lourens, Senolene Pears, Monique Lottering and Joy Daniels.

"Our objective is not only to grow vegetables, but also to give learners the opportunity to experience hands-on activities, learning the science behind their food systems and creating connections between themselves and nature. Lessons embrace maths, science, life sciences and literacy," says Versfeld.

"Long term, this could create job opportunities for them in many sectors. The garden classroom also helps to develop teamwork and assists in developing learners' self-worth as they learn new skills and develop a sense of pride in their school and community."

Versfeld has been growing her own organic vegetables at home for many years. Equalling her passion about it is Jonathan Sauer, a local resident knowledgeable in permaculture, who is now permanently employed by Usapho Indlu thanks to a sponsorship from a member of the public. Sauer is at the garden every day to help develop it and teach.

Says Versfeld, "We are so grateful for all the support we have received and the progress we have made. When we started in November last year, the grass was standing knee high.

"We will be growing our own seedlings soon. The frame for a shade netting structure for this purpose has already been erected."

Their plans include planting fruit and indigenous trees, teaching the children to build trellises to carry vegetables, nutrition talks, and also doing recipes with the children.

"By the end of the year we would like them all to have their own gardens at home. We want to teach them that food security is up to all of us."

Wendy house needed

A small Wendy house is needed for storing and locking up all the garden equipment. Anyone who may be able to help in this regard, may phone Sally Versfeld on 072 241 5442.

Usapho Indlu CEO Sally Versfeld with learners adding ingredients to their compost heaps. From left are T-J James, Johnwin Booysen, Tashlee-ann Titus, Chivargo van Dervint, Ronell Frans, Animicka Vass and Angelique Jacobs.