Initiative unearths gardening possibilities for learners

Absa, in partnership with Urban Harvest, is proud to announce the provision of another sustainable garden as part of the bank’s Possibilities Unearthed initiative. Groutville High School in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN has received the much-needed garden.

The partnership with Urban Harvest showcases Absa’s commitment to being a force for good in communities in which it operates through sustainable development and addressing the issues of food insecurity in South Africa.

“We are excited to be in KwaDukuza to make a much-needed contribution to Groutville High School and the wider KwaDukuza community. Access to nutrition is a non-negotiable for our learners, and this garden will help create sustainable access to food and nutrition. This is the type of tangible, positive difference that Absa seeks to create in society and we are delighted to play our part in ensuring that learners have access to quality meals,” said Mandisa Buthelezi, regional manager of Everyday Banking at Absa in KZN.

Besides the nutritional benefits, learners will be actively involved in managing the garden and learning valuable lessons. “Gardening is an engaging way to teach children about healthy eating habits and the importance of growing their own food, while encouraging physical activity. In a country that is suffering rocketing unemployment levels, such efforts go a long way,” added Buthelezi. Absa’s Possibilities Unearthed initiative has been bringing change in schools since 2021. A thrilled Simphiwe Gumede, principal of Groutville High, said: “We would like to thank Absa for choosing our school as the 2023 recipient of the sustainable vegetable garden. This will go a long way to assist our children with the ability to concentrate and perform better in class, while promoting environmental awareness and healthy living.

“We will ensure nurturing the seed that Absa has planted to empower our children with the skills and knowledge of growing their own food,” Buthelezi said.