Sinenjongo’s budding agricultirists learnt all about planting trees in a fun and interactive way on Wednesday, 8 June.

On the brink of commemorating Youth Day, the Grade 10 Agriculture classes got their hands dirty in the winter sun, by starting their very own garden – yet to be named by the class.  The lemon trees, labour and poles were sponsored by Interplant, and Rabie donated mulch and compost from the ex-Ratanga Junction site in Century City.

Aspirant journalists, Yamnkela Ndumiso and Ambesiwe Mbana, Grade 12 learners, who also write for the school and local newspapers, covered the day’s events.

Sinenjongo High school says they are very fortunate

Agriculture learners and their teacher applaud Rabie Property Group

By Yamnkela Ndumiso and Ambesiwe Mbana

Sinenjongo High school pupils, teachers and the principal, Mrs K.F Nopote, were very electrified due to the project brought to them by Rabie Property Group, working with the team of Interplant.

Mr Bope, an Agriculture teacher, couldn’t express how happy he was as it had always been something that he wanted to do. He wanted his learners to be exposed in the field of planting, watching the plant grow and taking care of it. The fact that there were no practicals that were done by learners caused discomfort for him.

Bope further explained that the project brought by Rabie, which is the planting of trees in their school premises, will not only benefit the school, but the society as well. They plan on letting the Agricultural Science learners lead this project.

“This project will also help to green our school and make it look beautiful”, said Mr Bope.

Pupils were excited about the project as they began to plant some trees with the help of Rabie, as well as Interplant. Most pupils said they were clueless about agriculture, as they thought it was all about learning about plants and animals only.

Liso Goso (17) a grade 10 Agricultural science learner said, “Agriculture is important in our society because we really need plants and trees for oxygen. It’s not a secret that we are facing global warming because of factories surrounding us.” He furthermore said, “Trees help us to get food and beautify our communities, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity given to us by Rabie Property Group and Interplant.”

Mrs K.F Nopote was feeling thrilled and said, “We feel great and privileged as an institution, and we just hope that the Agricultural learners and the teacher will ensure that this project is maintained and not destroyed.”

She mentioned that the entire school is going to benefit from the project as she believes that Rabie Property Group and Interplant wants to make sure that the school has got some lemons that are going to come out of the trees. Mrs K. F Nopote highly believes that the feeding scheme will also benefit from the project brought to them.

The school wishes to extend their garden and add a vegetable patch to assist their feeding scheme.

If you are interesting in becoming involved with this worthy cause, contact Linea on 021 550 7000 or linea@rabie.co.za.

We wish to thank Interplant for the donation of trees, poles and labour.

Photos taken by Natasha Lassen.