Community invests in school garden

Eastridge community groups have cleared a plot of land at Littlewood Primary School where they have planted seeds.

On Saturday June 15 pupils of Madrassa-tul-Hikmah and members of Eastridge Feeding Hands were hard at work beautifying and greening the space.

Madrassa principal Camillah Acherdien told the Plainsman that this was their fourth week working on the plot which they shared with other groups, including teachers at the school who received training from the non-profit gardening organisation Soil for Life.

Ms Acherdien, a 2020 Soil for Life graduate, said she wanted to share her love for gardening and the knowledge that people can grow their own food.

“The children see my garden and they see the produce and they can’t believe that it comes from having grown in my garden. Also once you’ve bitten into organic fruit and vegetables you want more,” she said.

Ms Acherdien said they would like to show that just one seed can make a difference and be a step towards ending poverty. She invited pupils and their parents to help in clean the plot and learn the basics of gardening.

Tarryn de Reuck, founder of Eastridge Feeding Hands, said the area is considered poverty stricken but there are alternatives.

“There are always things to be done. We can plant trees. We can use what we have in our homes, recycled goods and reach out to those who have to share,” she said.

Ms De Reuck said they would like to have each one, young and old partner to learn from the other.

“Children are so plugged in with devices but they learn more by doing practically and getting dirty,” she said.

The soup kitchen would like to grow produce which they can use instead of being dependent on hand outs.

They have roped in various donors and partners to maintain the garden.