The learners at Pelican Park High School can look forward to growing and tending to their own organic vegetable gardens once the school officially launches its climate-smart hydroponic agriculture hub on Wednesday 8 July.

The agriculture hub is aimed at improving food security, skills development and promoting sustainable livelihoods in the community.

Growing opportunities

The project, a partnership between Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA) and Pelican Park High School, will be officially launched during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at the school from 13:30 to 15:30.

The initiative is designed to provide learners and community members with practical agricultural skills while promoting environmentally sustainable food production.

IRSA is an independent, faith-inspired humanitarian and development non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works to alleviate poverty, deliver emergency disaster relief, and empower vulnerable communities.

As part of the project, 13 vertical hydroponic growing systems will be installed at the school.
The water-efficient systems will enable year-round vegetable production while introducing learners to modern farming technologies in a practical learning environment.

Modern farming

The Agri Hub will serve a dual purpose by providing learners with hands-on experience in climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship and agribusiness, while also creating a production space where trained women from the community can apply their newly acquired agricultural skills.

During Phase 1 of the project, 50 women completed agricultural training programmes, with 21 participants earning accredited NQF Level 2 Plant Production qualifications.

Community empowerment

Phase 2 aims to expand these achievements by strengthening food security, creating income-generation opportunities and equipping participants with skills through a school-based agricultural model.

Participating women will receive household growing systems, including Grow Towers and Black Grow Bags, enabling them to produce food at home and improve household food security.

The goal of the project is to create a long-term agricultural resource that supports education, food security, skills development, and economic empowerment within the Pelican Park community.

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