By Caron Tomblin | Fundraising Manager
Dear Value GlobalGiving Supporters
A mural rooted in community
The past few months at SEED have been full of movement, creativity and growth across our programs and community spaces.
One of the most exciting changes has been the transformation of our Outdoor Classroom through a large scale mural project by local artist Ashtree, titled Under the Same Sun. The artwork brings together landscapes and landmarks from across Cape Town and the Western Cape, creating a shared visual story about connection, community and belonging.
At the center of the mural is a simple reminder that, despite our differences, we all live under the same sun, breathe the same air and share the same water. Watching the mural slowly come to life has brought new energy into the space and sparked many conversations with learners, visitors and staff alike.
Learning outdoors
Our Outdoor Classroom program continued at Rocklands and Caradale Primary Schools during this period. Every week, Grade 4 learners explored nature, planted seeds, learned about climate action and spent time connecting with the environment through hands on activities.
Earth Day in April was especially meaningful. Learners created posters and reflected on how everyday actions can help care for the planet. Moments like these continue to remind us how powerful experiential learning can be for young people.
Training and youth development
This season also brought important growth within our training and youth development programs.
In February, SEED hosted an Organic Gardening Course for community members wanting to strengthen their practical growing skills and deepen their understanding of organic food production. Participants explored composting, soil health, planting techniques and seasonal food growing in an urban context.
In March, we hosted a Facilitation Training for youth. Participants explored communication, leadership and workshop facilitation skills, helping prepare them for future opportunities as tutors and teachers’ assistants in their communities.
Our Applied Permaculture Training also returned in April, bringing together participants wanting to deepen their knowledge of regenerative growing, self sufficiency and sustainable living practices.
Growing food and growing people
Behind the scenes, our gardens have continued to thrive under the leadership of our new Garden Manager, Sihle, alongside a hardworking and dedicated garden team. Between February and April, the team harvested 346 kilograms of organic produce which supported local feeding schemes, schools and our onsite vegetarian café.
The gardens have become more productive through ongoing experimentation, planning and care, and there have been many joyful moments shared along the way, including successful banana harvests and the continued expansion of growing spaces.
We have also loved seeing young people continue to grow into long term opportunities within the organization. Earlier this year, two former SEED interns graduated with Diplomas in Agricultural Management and are now permanent members of the garden team, including Sihle, who has continued growing into an important leadership role within the gardens.
Another young team member recently joined us through a Work Integrated Learning placement and is gaining hands on experience in regenerative agriculture, organic growing methods and biodiversity focused food systems alongside their formal agricultural studies.
Community connections
In March, an enthusiastic Dutch choir visited Rocklands Primary School, sharing music and cultural exchange with learners and staff. We also welcomed children from a local educare program for a day of planting, composting and harvesting in the gardens.
Earlier in the year, we partnered on a small scale food garden project at Magnolia Primary School, helping transform unused spaces into productive growing areas using reclaimed materials and permaculture principles.
Internally, we recently gathered for our annual AGM alongside the SEED board and leadership team. It was a valuable moment to reflect on the year so far, reconnect around our shared vision and celebrate how much has already been growing across the organization.
Looking ahead
As we move further into 2026, we are feeling energized by the momentum building across our programs, partnerships and community spaces. From murals and gardens to classrooms and youth trainings, these spaces continue to grow through collaboration, creativity and care.
Thank you for walking this journey with us and for helping us continue sowing seeds of hope in our communities.
Warm regards
The SEED Team
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By Caron Tomblin | Fundraising Manager
By Caron Tomblin | Fundraising Manager
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