Viola Motsumi, the North West Department of Education MEC, launched a week-long training programme for gardeners in Early Childhood Development centres across the province on December 5, aiming to promote growth and empowerment. This groundbreaking initiative is a significant step in the region's educational efforts.
The Kgora Training Centre in Ramatlabama is offering a programme for gardeners to cultivate learning and growth in 40 excellence centres within the Early Childhood Development directorate. This pioneering cohort is the first to receive such training, and their dedication will be recognized with certificates, showcasing their newly honed expertise.
At its core, this ambitious venture signifies a momentous stride towards upskilling and fortifying a pivotal group of young workers, oftentimes overlooked in their indispensable roles. The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is overseeing a programme under the Department of Agriculture to equip gardeners with skills and knowledge beyond cultivation.
The programme covers plant identification, soil management, pest control, and sustainable gardening practices. The ARC's comprehensive curriculum is designed to enrich and empower gardeners, covering topics such as plant identification, pest control, and disease prevention. Motsumi, the guiding force behind this initiative, emphasized the importance of the training programme for the youth and the future of agriculture in the North West, highlighting its potential and the empowerment it offers to the province's youth.
“It’s not just about cultivating gardens; it’s about nurturing futures,” Motsumi emphasized. Beyond the immediate enrichment of these young minds, this initiative stands as a bastion of hope bolstering not only livelihoods but also fortifying the region’s food security and fostering a more robust economic landscape.” Motsumi's visionary aspirations are just the beginning.
Inspired by the success of the gardeners' programme, plans are underway to extend similar opportunities to other ECD stakeholders, including administrators and storytellers. The Department's commitment to holistic youth development is evident through this initiative. This project is not just a training programme, it empowers youth by providing the necessary tools and knowledge for them to thrive, transcend boundaries, and make a lasting impact on society.
Motsumi’s unwavering resolve underscores the transformative potential of education, not just confined within the walls of classrooms but emanating from the very soil where growth takes root. It’s a testament to the belief that every individual, regardless of their role, holds within them the potential to blossom and contribute meaningfully.
On the inaugural day of a groundbreaking initiative, Motsumi's vision promises a bountiful harvest in the future of young souls in the North West Province. The initiative prioritizes the cultivation of minds over the soil, guided by Motsumi's unwavering commitment to empower and elevate the youth towards a future filled with possibilities.
