By Lebogang Mashala
EduPlant gardening programme promotes environmental sustainability while fostering food-secure schools.
Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) recently launched the 2024-25 EduPlant school gardening and nutrition programme, aiming to deepen its impact at the 150 schools where it works.
EduPlant is in its 30th year and is the largest school greening programme in Southern Africa. It uses permaculture principles and systems thinking to foster school-linked food security clusters in under-resourced communities and townships. It is run by FTFA and supported by Tiger Brands.
Each year, schools participate in an EduPlant competition, with the most recent winner being Mfesane Secondary School in Motherwell, Eastern Cape. Two primary schools in Limpopo, Mookgopong and Mbhureni, came second and third.
Bharathi Tugh, EduPlant manager and FTFA education associate, says EduPlant enables communities to promote environmental sustainability while fostering food-secure schools. Successful schools not only cultivate food but instill hope, resilience and prosperity by enriching knowledge and entrepreneurial opportunities, she says.
Participating schools received seeds and educational resources, including a “Growing Green” manual, posters and activity books. Topics covered include permaculture ethics and principles, garden design, soil management and seed bed preparation.
Tugh says EduPlant provides teacher support and encourages community and learner involvement. Its content aligns with the curriculum.
The EduPlant cycle spans two years, during which FTFA evaluates applicants and selects schools that can become centres of excellence. These schools are expected to have a multiplier effect on other schools in their vicinity with EduPlant’s support. They are also expected to set an example with good environmental practices, aesthetic pride, proactive garden setup and ecological practices.
“Effective leadership at the selected schools is of utmost importance,” says Tugh. “Workshops follow a structured programme, with resources planned according to the content taught on-site and aligned with practical activities. Communication between project leaders, facilitators and schools is essential, and briefing and debriefing sessions ensure nationwide uniformity and quality.”
Curtis Kuyanie, EduPlant administrator, says being part of the school greening programme has been inspiring. “I’ve witnessed tangible results and positive impacts from deep rural areas to urban schools. We’ve turned sad stories into beautiful ones as schools share the impact of improved access to nutrient-rich food.”
