Diazville Primary School, Masiphathisane Primary School and Steenberg’s Cove Primary School each received a sustainable garden through an initiative of TotalEnegies.
The initiative aims to contribute to food security and environmental education in local communities.
Held on Tuesday 25 November at Diazville Primary School, the handover event marked a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to community upliftment throughout the region. The ceremony brought the schools’ leadership, learners, the Department of Education, community representatives and project partners to celebrate the establishment of the gardens and the collaborative effort behind them.
The initiative forms part of TotalEnergies’ Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme and equips the schools with garden infrastructure, tools, seedlings and practical training to help them grow and sustain their own fresh produce. Beyond providing nutritious food, the gardens serve as educational spaces that teach learners about agriculture and sustainability.
Baxolile Msomi, Communications and CSI Manager for TotalEnergies said the project is designed to empower both learners and their surrounding communities.
“These gardens are much more than a source of fresh food. Through this project learners will gain practical skills, while also helping communities to become more food secure. We are proud to partner with these schools in building long-term solutions that support education and nutrition.”
School principals from the beneficiary schools also shared their enthusiasm about the project’s long-term impact on learners.
Lee-Ann Davids-Hartzenberg, Principal of Diazville Primary School, said the sustainability of these food gardens will equip our learners with skills, environmental awareness and a strong sense of responsibility.
“TotalEnergies has planted seeds of hope and opportunity in our school and community, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity and commitment to uplifting educational institutions like ours.
“As a school we commit to maintaining and protecting this garden so that it continues to benefit our learners for many years to come. We value this partnership and look forward to the positive impact this initiative will bring.”
The event concluded with a guided tour of the gardens, harvesting with learners and a symbolic tree-planting session, highlighting the community’s shared commitment to nurturing and growing the project in the years ahead.
