DISCOVER THE MBEKO ECO CLUB PROJECT
Established in 2019 in response to the “Day Zero” climate crisis in the Western Cape, the Mbeko Eco Club Project is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) and public benefit organisation (PBO) dedicated to environmental education and raising awareness about climate change while actively promoting the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations members in 2015.
A key beneficiary of the project is Vincent Nteta, who has significantly transformed the grounds of Langabuya Primary School. Through his efforts, Vincent has equipped students with essential skills in eco-literacy and food literacy, emphasising the importance of sustainable food production. The school’s harvests are shared among the students and donated to the school’s Feeding Scheme, providing daily meals to learners.
Despite its success, the project has encountered challenges such as water shortages and vandalism. As Vincent noted, “Plants cannot grow without water and security. We experienced significant issues until Casidra and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) supplied us with water tanks and double fencing for protection.”
In 2021, Rennies Farms recognised the Mbeko Eco Club’s impactful work in local schools and townships by supplying Langabuya Primary with a fully equipped greenhouse. This greenhouse, complete with water pumps, seedlings, and compost, has become an invaluable resource. To ensure its sustainability, Vincent received extensive training from Rennies on commercial farming techniques. The produce harvested is either used to sustain the garden or reinvested in tools and equipment.
What sets the Mbeko Eco Club apart is its long-term vision of empowering the next generation with knowledge about soil care as a vital component of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Students have the unique opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of soil, learning about microorganisms and sustainable organic farming methods that are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
The Mbeko Eco Club Project serves not only as a garden, but as an educational platform that promotes environmental stewardship and sustainability within the community.
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