Learners from 32 schools across the country have gathered in Rustenburg, North West, for the EduPlant School Competition.

The competition forms part of the wider EduPlant Programme that has supported the establishment of food gardens at thousands of schools, promoting food security in underserved communities.

Through the programme, learners receive practical training in soil care, garden design, seed planting and more, along with the tools and seedlings they need to bring their gardens to life.

From transforming school grounds into productive food gardens and hubs of learning to competing in the EduPlant Finals Competition, 32 schools from across the country are among the finalists.

“I learnt most about teamwork because most of the projects that we’ve been doing have been about teamwork, most of the time. All that we have learned from EduPlant is very important,” says a learner.

“I would encourage kids to join EduPlant to learn these things, like herbal remedies. Instead of buying and wasting your money, plant. When you plant, you save money, and you benefit. It’s good for you and good for the earth,” adds another learner.

Over 30 years, EduPlant has grown to become South Africa’s largest and most impactful school food gardening and greening programme.

“I think over the years, the learners have really applied the learnings of these food gardens within their communities. The finals are more than just a celebration. It’s really a platform to celebrate and highlight growth and sustainability and the ability for them to persevere regardless of the environments in which they come from. There are three key areas we want to address: one is food security, the second is climate change and environmental factors and lastly is nutrition and health,” says Tiger Brands’ Maanda Milubi.

Over 30 years, we have developed an incredible program that spans across probably 15 000 schools in the country and over the last cycle, we’ve worked with 300 schools. What you see here today are the 32 best schools in the country coming together to show us what they have done with their school garden and their nutrition programs, as well as their leadership,” says Food & Trees for Africa’s Chris Wild.

This year’s competition is especially significant, as the awards were held in person for the first time since the COVID pandemic.