Centre’s sprouting buds
Youngsters at a centre learn good things about life in the garden, writes Nkuleleko Nene
TEACHING permaculture agriculture to children at the Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre has helped them understand the importance of the ecosystem and that vegetables grow from the soil.
Caregiver Sindisiwe Makhanya, who started the garden, said she realised the need to start a vegetable patch after she heard an argument while preparing a children’s meal one day. She said the debate was between two groups of children, who argued over whether veggies came from the fridge or the supermarket.
“It was an interesting debate, which made me think deeply about their lack of understanding about gardening. It is interesting that the little ones are enjoying the garden lectures, while playing with both soil and water. The naughty ones chase after vervet monkeys and worms. They also learn about the importance of the ecosystem,” Makhanya said.
Meanwhile, centre spokesperson Gaylene Allen said children love nearly anything pertaining to the great outdoors.
She said they were curious by nature and there was no greater joy than that derived from a child who has cultivated plants from his or her own vegetable garden.
“They love digging in the dirt, creating yummy treats and playing in trees. Children enjoy planting seeds, watching them sprout and eventually harvesting what they have grown. An important life skill programme is for them to learn where vegetables actually come from,” she said.
Allen said the children in the garden group show immense pride at harvest time, which is evident when they share their vegetables with the other children.
“They also learn how to be consistent when growing veggies. It is great to see them working together as a team and the excitement on their faces when they finally chew on the lush vegetables they grew. Besides teaching them how to grow their own vegetables, an indirect lesson is for them to learn how dedication and caring can bring something to life,” Allen said.
Director Vanessa Theophilus said allowing children to become involved in the planning, caring and harvesting of a garden not only gives caregivers a unique opportunity to spend time with children, but it helps the kids develop an understanding of that which they are curious about – nature.
She said children also develop a sense of responsibility and pride in themselves, which can ultimately improve self-esteem.
“One of the best ways to encourage enthusiasm for gardening is appealing to a child’s senses by adding plants not only for the eyes but those they can taste, smell and touch. Vegetables are always a good choice for young children. They not only germinate quickly but can be eaten once they have matured,” she said.
Their garden grows spinach, carrot, butternut and tomatoes. Their tools were donated by the Lions.