Gardens for abused children of South Africa

Summary

Gardening provides a therapeutic outlet for young victims of domestic abuse, while empowering them to be self-sufficient by producing their own nourishment in an area where fresh food is scarce.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Citizens of the Cape Flats district of South Africa were forcefully removed from their ancestral homes during the apartheid regime and relocated to this area. Unemployment and drug abuse are high, and organized crime and domestic abuse are considerable problems. The Ravensmead Welfare and Health Forum offers counseling for abused mothers and children, and a gardening project for children. Gardening equipment and supplies, such as rakes, seeds, and hoses are needed.

How will this project solve this problem?

Children spend their afternoons at a local center where they eat a hot meal, and learn from volunteer teachers to: prepare land for gardening; plant vegetables; and care for their garden and equipment.

Potential Long Term Impact

Children acquire skills to build gardens in their homes and feel the satisfaction of growing their own food. Most mothers who have fled domestic abuse are unemployed. Their monthly benefits of $15 do not cover the nutritional needs of their families.

Project Message

Mothers buy porridge, as it is readily available and inexpensive, but it has very little vitamins and children cannot grow on porridge alone.
- Mrs. Beukes, Project Coordinator

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources