A jungle food forest was established when a barren and unused school ground was turned into a productive and sustainable Permaculture food garden project, thanks to & Beyond Foundation and Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA). Mketse Primary School in Justicia, approximately 8km from Kruger National Park, has over 400 learners (many them orphaned and vulnerable children), 14 educators and 6 community members that have all helped with the implementation of the Permaculture gardening project. The learners and the community members involved in the project have also started their own home food gardens, utilising the Permaculture skills and knowledge acquired during the workshops conducted on site by FTFA.
According to FTFA senior permaculturists, Mr Joe Matimba, “The project is supplementing the feeding scheme at school and also generating income from sales of natural organic vegetables. Malnutrition and hunger at Mketse Primary school are now history.”“The Permaculture project has transformed the school environment and has been a catalyst for other developments. It has also attracted other donors who now have added funds towards building new blocks and improving the school,” said Mr Lotus Khoza, &Beyond Senior Community Development Officer”.