SEED
Context
Introduction
Latest Project News
Progress Summary
SOIL FOR LIFE
Context
Introduction
Latest Project News
Progress Summary
RHODES PARK
Context
Introduction
Latest Project News
Progress Summary
LOTUS GARDENS
Context
Introduction
Latest Project News
Progress Summary
 
SEED - Progress Summary


In 2005, 5 schools were selected for preliminary inclusion in the programme. After a rigorous selection procedure and initial coaching, in January 2006, four schools have joined the other schools in SEED's 12-school programme. These are the 4 being funded by Thatu: ·

  • Kannemeyer Primary Community School ·
  • Heinz Park Community Garden
  • Montague Drive Community Garden
  • Fairview Primary Community Garden
In this they are coached and encouraged by Ramon Adams who works also with members of the community, teachers and learners, and introduces them all to organic and permaculture methods.


Shacks at Heinz Park School and sunflowers grown by Pastor Hendrick of the community.


SEED use a mechanism called 'The SEED Sustainability Index' a method of assessing the sustainable long term success of each project.

In the second year, the 'Intermediate Phase', the projects are again examined for sustainability against SEED's index, and this way of working means that investment in any project is to the maximum effectiveness in the long term.

Initially, the volunteer teachers and learners assess their environment, design the gardens, set up windbreaks and vandal protection, install the water infrastructure, mulch and start to plant seedlings.

At the end of 2005 four of the five original schools passed their first test by being selected to continue to receive funding because of their commitment, their proven ability to keep the garden going during the difficult hot and windy school holidays in December and January, and their ability to gain support from teachers and the community.



Indigenous ground cover plants at Kannemeyer School

In February, Ramon held visioning meetings with the Governing body, principal, grounds persons and SEED lead teachers about the programme and the roll out for the next 6 months. Perimeter fencing and environment and windbreaks were dealt with.

Ramon introduced them to ecology and permaculture to give them an over view of what would be taking place in their garden. Ramon reported that all four schools are moving steadily in the right direction with maintenance and participation, and that teachers had requested theme based lessons

In March, fencing was completed, with windbreaks planted and some shade netting added. Indigenous ground cover has been planted to prevent soil erosion in one problem area where sand had been blowing into classrooms.

An enviro-club has been established at Kannemeyer School and they have finalised their designs for the beds.


Soil testing and analysis in jam jars at Kannemeyer School


April brought 'Soil Month' to these four projects by the end of which Ramon anticipated vegetables to have been planted in the beds, to have begun composting systems, worm bins and mulch pits, and to have covered sheet mulching. Intensifying the windbreaks was also on the agenda.

With the start of the construction of the permanent school buildings at Heinz Park, progress on extending the garden should be possible.

At the start of the second year, the projects will be again examined for sustainability again SEED's Sustainability Index, and those that meet the necessary standards will continue into the second 'Intermediate Phase'.