Greenheights Primary School celebrated the launch of a new vegetable garden aimed at enhancing food security and environmental awareness, while providing practical agricultural skills to pupils.
The hand-over of a fully-operational vegetable garden by Absa was held on Tuesday.
The initiative, called the Absa Food Garden, is a programme that supports food security, promotes environmental awareness, and provides pupils with practical agricultural skills, while contributing to healthier, more resilient communities.
Neelan Pillay, the school’s principal, said he was grateful for the food garden as it would help pupils and the community.
“We are deeply grateful for Absa’s visionary partnership, which goes beyond mere sponsorship. It embodies a commitment to sustainable living and community empowerment.
“This food garden represents a multifaceted opportunity for our school. It will supplement our nutrition programme with fresh, organic produce; allow us to market the surplus with staff and the community; and provide for those in need. Most importantly, it will nurture our pupils’ connection with nature, teaching them valuable skills in gardening and food production.
“This initiative will instill and endorse the respect for farmers, the environment, and the importance of sustainability in these tough economic times,” said Pillay.
The garden will have seasonal crops throughout the year, changing every season. They currently have lettuce, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower and other winter vegetables.
He said the pupils are excited about the future of the garden and learn more about nature, while nurturing the opportunity they were given.
Sydney Mbhele, the Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa, said this is more than just a once off programme but more of a long-term skill driven partnership.
“It’s a platform for real community development. The garden at Green Heights Primary is a long-term investment in education, nutrition, and empowerment.
“The Green Heights programme is the latest in Absa’s expanding network of school-based gardens, which already includes successful installations in other communities across Durban, Oudtshoorn, and Tshwane.
“The handover ceremony, attended by learners, educators, and Absa staff volunteers, was a moving and memorable moment during the week, bringing the event’s purpose-driven ethos to life,” said Mbhele.
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