Imagine a world where vertical gardens are prolific in urban areas, sustained only by rainwater.
This is the vision of non-profit organisation Save Our Schools (SOSNPO), who launched a unique project at Bloekombos High School on Thursday.
Named “Water in the Sky” the initiative celebrates UN World Water Day.
Driven by innovation and passion the project will sustain food gardens to alleviate hunger and water-insecurity in the impoverished area.
New system
A rainwater harvesting system linked to an aerial pipeline will sustain a vegetable garden the size of a soccer field.
“South Africa’s population faces high levels of food insecurity, with an estimated 14 million people vulnerable to food insecurity during the period of 2022-”2023,” says SOSNPO spokesperson Amy Burrow.
“The country’s food crisis has an adverse impact on the well-being of men, women and children, with more than five million children in South Africa experiencing hunger every day.”
In Cape Town, food security is exceedingly threatened, as the Western Cape’s dam levels have dropped below 50% as of February.
The pilot will include testing and support from some of the best research and development companies in the world, who will have a rare opportunity of testing in a real-life environment.
Young harvesters
A group of Grade 10 learners at the school, all passionate about agriculture, were chosen as harvesters.
“The harvesters each received their harvester’s kit containing the necessary gardening gloves and tools, and will be receiving agricultural training and education surrounding the maintenance of water-conscious vegetable gardens,” she says.
Somila Swelindawo was elected as the harvester leader, and will be responsible for ensuring the groups upkeep of the gardens.
“This is a very exciting journey for me and I’m very excited and happy. I’m looking forward to seeing a very wonderful outcome,” says Somila.
CEO of SOSNPO Shelley Humphreys says: “We are really proud of Water in the Sky, and the fact that we have achieved international awareness with this pilot project by Unesco Green Academies.
“We have an international reach via our Unesco partner status and are planning to expand to other areas of South Africa this year.”
More veggie gardens
In the coming weeks similar vegetable gardens will be installed at four early learning development centres and one other secondary school in the area.
“Strong points of the aerial solution are that there is no requirement for expensive civil works, it can be temporary and it provides easy maintenance and surveillance.
“The pilot will include testing and support from some of the best research and development companies in the world.”
The project is supported by several big brands in South Africa, including the likes of Nestlé, the REMAX Foundation, Puma, AGT foods, Zylem Watermark and Hallmark.
