Briana Evigan Instagram – FOOD GARDEN STORY
Hunger is one of the biggest challenges facing rural communities.
High unemployment means many families cannot afford monthly groceries. As a result, children often go to bed with empty stomachs. This is not a problem of one village — it is happening everywhere.
At Xinyeketi Primary School, many learners suffer from hunger. In class, some children fall asleep. When teachers ask what is wrong, they respond, “I’m sick.” In reality, they are not sick — they are hungry. Many children do not yet understand the difference between hunger and illness. You can clearly see the change when food is provided: suddenly they become active, alert, and ready to learn and play.
These learners depend on the school feeding scheme, where they receive only one meal a day at 10 a.m. For many of them, there is no food waiting at home.
At Xinyeketi Primary School, there was once only a small garden. When Abundant Village arrived, they took the initiative to expand it. Together with the school and community, they extended the garden beds, designed a Madala Bed, and installed a protective fence. A wide variety of vegetables was planted.
This project created jobs for gardeners and cooks and reduced the need to buy expensive vegetables from stores, where costs are high due to transport and where produce is often grown using chemicals. The garden now provides fresh, healthy food.
As a result, learners now eat twice a day — in the morning and again in the afternoon. The second meal is part of an after-school programme, ensuring children do not go home hungry. This programme supports learning in Mathematics, English, and communication through pen-pal connections, helping to strengthen both academic performance and confidence.
When vegetables are harvested, they are taken to the school kitchen, and surplus produce is sold to the local community, supporting sustainability.
This initiative has brought real change to Xinyeketi Primary School. Learners now receive proper nutrients, boosting their brain development, energy, and ability to learn. Children are also involved in the garden, learning practical skills and being inspired to start small gardens at home.(check Com👇 | Posted on 19/Dec/2025 15:23:52
