It was a wonderful time when Silwanetshe learners received their long awaited fresh vegetables from the community garden (which is in their school premises). That moment really put a smile on their faces not only because it was putting food on the table, but also created a sense of belonging and pride.

Not only did the children expressed their gratitude, but the headmaster  was also grateful, because of the fact that this was happening for the first time in the history of their school, and the fact that the concept of food garden is in the school policy but was never implemented. 

“Our perception and our deduction of being within the school premises have been changed after what Thandanani has done”

“We thought attending school was solely for academic purposes, but today our mindset has been changed”

This was the reaction of Silwanetshe learner that received food parcels in the form of fresh vegetable from the garden. Even the school principal reiterated what learners had said. He said if they could get some of the picture so that the department could see what is happening on the ground, since most of government initiatives are hardly executed.

Silwanetshe has been the most progressive community garden in Pietermaritzburg, but has never gone as far as feeding Silwanetshe learners and few others from the neighbouring Ikusasaselihle High School.

Thirteen families benefited from this harvest.