The Gugulethu Urban Food Forest Initiative (Guffi) has transformed five school gardens into tools of learning while reaping modest produce.

Guffi is operating in Lehlohonolo, Vukukhanye, Bonga and Mkhanyiseli primary schools, all in Gugulethu, at Salt River High and Bertha House in Mowbray.

The initiative started in 2020 during the hard Covid-19 lockdown.

Guffi founder Vuyani Qamata said they approached the schools and got permission to work the land.

They started by clearing the gardens and planting seeds.

“People were bored staying at home and they responded well and when restrictions were lifted we started teaching learners about the importance of urban farming,” Mr Qamata said.

The project has seen young children swapping seeds and ideas through the eco-clubs that have been set up.

Teachers at the schools love the project because they say it gives pupils a chance of doing something else other than academic work.

“There are children who are struggling in class but when we bring them out to the garden they are shining stars and that boosts their confidence,” said teacher Sophumelele Nojoko.

When Vukani paid a visit to Vukukhanye Primary the place was buzzing with excitement because it was “market day”.

Teacher Nomaphelo Moyeni said the pupils were “happiest when seeing the labour of their hands harvested and sold”.

“Through the market days we raise funds for our kitchen gardens that support the schools feeding schemes in turn. Sometimes we let children take surplus harvest to their homes,” said Ms Moyeni.

Mr Qamata said what makes their initiative a success is the involvement of parents and members of the community.

“They guard these spaces and make sure that less theft of destruction takes place,” he said.

Partners like Princess Vlei Forum (PVF) , Newlife Activities (NA) were there to support the market day.

Denish Anand from PVF was full of praise for the pupils.

“They grasp methods and are eager to learn more. I hope others will follow careers in farming and eco world,” she said.

NA’s Elethu Nkala said the enthusiasm shown by the pupils was motivating and a huge boost to the success of eco-clubs.

“By greening our townships we can create livelihood and wellness,” said Ms Nkala.

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