A Somerset West primary school boasts a sustainable vegetable garden which thrives off the tender loving care provided by learners championing the labour of love to grow as potential leaders.
The garden at Somerset House is attended to by the school’s Grade 7 class as part of their leadership programme, for it provides an opportunity for learners to contribute to charities and to raise funds through sales of the fresh produce.
The initiative, started in April last year by social science teacher James Chevallier, not only gives the young ones green fingers, but also helps teach them about the environment, sustainability and biodiversity.
They’ve already produced fresh spinach, basil, aubergine, tomatoes, peppers, thyme, parsley, spring onions and a host of other vegetables and herbs, and are now routinely harvesting about every four weeks.
“It’s been about 10 months since we started this project on a small patch of ground behind the Art House, and the progress we’ve made is really very significant,” Chevallier said.
“We’ve started a whole new garden this year for the new Grade 7 class. The subject really encompasses leadership qualities and nurtures environmental responsibility. The kids even come over the holidays to water and weed the garden.”
The initiative experienced teething problems with regard to finances for top quality soil and plants, and the basic infrastructure set-up.
But soon donations were received and the garden now has an automated irrigation system and a toolshed has all the equipment the class needs for their daily tending. “The vegetables are used in the school kitchen, but most go to the community,” Chevallier shared. “We’ve donated to Helderberg Hospital and also identified an orphanage in Sir Lowry’s Pass as a beneficiary.”
Grade 7 learner Olivia Jones commented: “I enjoy spending long mornings in the garden, weeding and taking care of plants. It really brings my senses alive.”
Another learner, Iris-Amalie Hjelden, adds: “I think it’s very important to take care of our world and to learn sustainable ways of living in our environment.”
. For more information or donations in aid of the garden, contact Chevallier on 072 733 7376 or jamche@somersethouse.co.za.
