In the spirit of Mandela Day 2024, Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate has embarked on an inspiring initiative that promises to sow the seeds of sustainability and community empowerment right in the heart of Faure. Partnering with St Paul’s Primary School, this project aims not only to beautify the school grounds but also to nurture a sense of hope and possibility among the students and the broader community.
Corius Visser, Managing Director at Vergenoegd Löw, emphasizes that sustainability and community are fundamental pillars of their business ethos. He views initiatives like the garden project as transformative steps towards strengthening the ideals of the community. “Establishing a beautiful garden instils hope in the younger generation, fostering well-being and optimism.”
Impact on St Paul’s Primary School and the Faure Community
For Antonia (Toni) du Toit, headmaster at St Paul’s Primary School, the garden project signifies far more than just landscaping. Located in Faure, a community historically rooted in farming, the school serves a diverse demographic, including learners from lower-income households. Many of these students have backgrounds rich in agricultural heritage, which the garden project aims to celebrate and expand upon.
“The garden will nourish our kitchen that is sustained by the Education department for learners dependent on social grants,” says Toni. This initiative not only provides nutritional support but also encourages creativity among teachers and showcases the talents of students who may have practical skills in farming and gardening.
The anticipated impact on the children is profound. As the garden grows, it is expected to become a sustainable supply of fresh vegetables, benefiting both the school community and families at home. The hands-on experience will not only teach valuable agricultural skills but also promote healthy eating habits and environmental stewardship among the students.
Toni outlines specific goals for the garden initiative, highlighting its potential to reconnect the community with its agricultural heritage. “The involvement of the community during school holidays, will ensure the garden continues to thrive, producing vegetables that sustain our learners and promote local pride.”
With the Mandela Day 2024 theme – it is in our hands to combat poverty and inequity – the garden project at St Paul’s Primary School is a shining example of how collective action and partnerships in the community can make a tangible difference. By nurturing both the land and the spirit of the next generation, Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate and St Paul’s Primary School are sowing seeds of hope and empowerment that promise to bear fruit for years to come.
In the words of Nelson Mandela himself: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Through initiatives like these, we honour his legacy by empowering communities and building a brighter future for all.
