Reel Life, Real Growth
McCain South Africa has partnered with the non-profit organisation Reel Life to launch an ambitious agricultural skills development project in Delmas, aimed at enhancing long-term food security for underserved communities. This initiative provides participants with the tools and training to establish sustainable household food gardens, empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency and inspiring some to become successful agri-preneurs.
How it works
Each participating household receives a Garden-in-a-Box kit, which includes 12 seed packets and a watering spout, all tailored to the specific season and local climate. To further support sustainable nutrition, households also receive a monthly package containing four diverse seed varieties. Remarkably, just four of these monthly packages are enough to sustainably nourish a family of four for an entire year.
Growing food is made simple with Reel Gardening’s seed tape kit. The guesswork is removed as seeds are pre-spaced and anchored at the correct depth with necessary nutrients. Companion plants and easy-to-follow illustrations are also included in each kit, ensuring that gardening is straightforward and enjoyable for everyone.
Latest developments
Community Champions
As Delmas community champion, Delina Sithole, plays a crucial role in supporting and assisting beneficiaries to ensure each project's success. Her responsibilities include addressing any challenges that arise during the gardening process and providing effective solutions. She also conducts household visits, designed to monitor gardeners' progress and build further connections within the local community.
WhatsApp Group
To support and monitor progress, a WhatsApp group has been created where participants can share updates, ask questions, and offer real-time advice. This platform fosters a strong sense of community and provides valuable support, which can be especially motivating for those new to gardening or facing challenges.
Training
A training session for the Household Garden in a Box programme was recently organised by Reel Life in Mimosa, Delmas. The community's enthusiasm for this new initiative was palpable. During the training, the importance of enhancing home food security was highlighted, and it was explained how the solution could sustain a family of four for an entire year using just 16 square meters of space and minimal water.
[WATCH] Explore the latest updates on our collaboration with Reel Life, focused on empowering communities, enhancing food security and inspiring future agri-preneurs.
Participant updates
Thembi Nkosi: Delmas
Thembi Nkosi’s garden in Delmas is thriving, thanks to her proactive approach in sharing her gardening expertise with her son. By involving him in every step of the process, Thembi is not only imparting essential skills but also emphasising the importance of food security and sustainable practices.
This hands-on experience is likely equipping her son with valuable lessons that will benefit him in the future. Thembi’s anticipation of the harvest and her plans to sell the produce to meet household needs showcase her practical and unique approach. Her success is a testament to how gardening can enrich both personal and family life.
Shiane Mitta: Khangela Primary School
Shiane Mitta is making an exceptional impact at Khangela Primary School. Her dedication to the school garden is truly inspiring. By planting spinach, cabbage, onions and beetroot, she is not only enhancing the school’s environment but also providing valuable resources for the children.
Despite the challenges posed by school holidays, Shiane's commitment to reorganising and maintaining the garden underscores her dedication to its success. The garden’s role in supporting needy children by supplying vegetables for their families and contributing to fundraising efforts highlights its significant impact on the community.
Her innovative method, including the creation of seedlings using tyres, demonstrates resourcefulness and a forward-thinking approach towards sustainable gardening.
Staying rooted
Reel Life and McCain look forward to working closely with all beneficiaries to address their challenges and find sustainable solutions. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and support, the aim is to empower participants to thrive in their gardening efforts, while simultaneously bringing about positive transformation within communities.