Sow-A-Seed Programme

When all you can afford is one meal a day the focus is, understandably, on filling the tummy rather than nutrition. A study in crèche’s in the townships revealed that teachers were eager to learn how to prepare nutritious meals within their budget. It was also found that the children did little or no formal exercise.

“After imparting the theoretical knowledge in our Children’s Programme, we saw a need for a project that reflects the principal of not merely handing out fish in the short term, but giving a fishing rod so people can learn to fish for themselves for the rest of their lives. And so it was that our “Sow-A-Seed” project was born.” says Robert de Souza, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“Despite overcrowding, vacant land does exist in the townships, which with composting and community involvement could be turned into producing vegetable gardens. A number of such pieces of land have already been identified which could service not only the crèche but soup kitchens or old age homes as well.”

Gardening skills and basic nutrition courses are presented to members of the community be they parents, teachers or volunteers. Factors such as access to water and damaging winds are also need to be addressed.

Corporate sponsorship is sought for donations of gardening implements, fencing, compost and seeds or seedlings. The Heart and Stroke Foundation won the monthly Shoprite Checkers community project award in 2005 and purchased seeds, various gardening implements, compost and fruit trees to develop the Sow-A-Seed gardens at seven crèches in Cape Town. Vusisizwe Educare in Cross Roads, Yizani Sakhe Ubunye, Nosizwe Educare and Noluthando Educare Tools in Khayelitsha, Nonkululeko Educare in Gugulethu and Eyethu Educare and Nyanga Educare in Nyanga were selected.

They are now able to grow healthy and nutritious fresh vegetables that can be added to their basic diet. This will help ensure that valuable vitamins, minerals and fibre nourish our poorer communities. ”This project is especially important in underdeveloped communities. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Shoprite Checkers and all those involved for believing in the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s work and giving these communities a chance,” said Ashleigh Kuttner, Project Manager, Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Another Sow-A-Seed garden was established at Kasselsvlei Primary School in Bellville South, Western Cape in May 2007. Staff from the Heart and Stroke Foundation rolled up their sleeves and showed off their keen gardening skills.

The school provides each needy child with a plate of rice and Soya every day, and as a result attendance at the school has increased drastically. For some of these children, this is the only warm meal they receive for the entire day. The principal, Mr. Davids, was extremely excited about the Sow-A-Seed garden and for him it is “a dream come true”.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation invites companies to get involved either by sponsoring a garden project or giving of your time and skills to make this initiative a reality at more crèches in Cape Town.

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