WATCH: Empowering lives through organic farming

The RECORD visited Green Earth Concepts for demonstration of their training programme aimed at empowering people to be able to farm organically for themselves, as well as generate an income through their agricultural endeavours.

The training programme launched by Green Earth Concepts aims to empower 200 students free of charge thanks to the generous sponsorship of NPO Balwin Foundation.

“Since the establishment of the Balwin Foundation we have focused on environmental awareness training for previously disadvantaged youth,” said Theresa Vitale, MD of Balwin Foundation.

The training programme, as described by Gina Shoemaker of Green Earth Concepts, teaches people to  sustainably grow produce through using organic waste as the basis for effective fertiliser. At the core of this process lies the humble earthworm which is farmed and produces the nourishing fertiliser that allows for organic growth.

Students are taught how to layer and combine the organic waste with natural carbon material to allow it to ferment into what they refer to as worm food. This is then fed to the worms which process it, and their waste forms an effective fertiliser.

WATCH: Video of Sibusiso Zakwe, a trainer at Green Earth Concepts, explaining how worm farming works.

The training does not stop there, as students are then taught how to plant various crops and how to correctly harvest them. The training also includes training with machines that assist in this process.

At the end of the training the students are not only able to sell and use the crops but know how to make two very valuable products. The first is the fertiliser that is produced by the worms that can be used as an organic alternative to the synthetic products usually used by farmers.

The second product is called worm tea, which consists of the drainage of the worm farm. This worm tea is a fluid that captures the nutrients of the process and is highly sought-after by farmers to water their plants with.

“This collaboration between Balwin, Green Earth Concepts and Thaba Eco Hotel shows our joint commitment to empowering people with the necessary skills to generate income while at the same time making a positive, sustainable impact on the environment,” said Theresa.

The first people taking the training are from the Thabo Eco Hotel, who will carry this training home to their families and friends.

The further training dates are November 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 and 26 from 10am to 3pm. They can cater for 20 people per session.

For more information feel free to contact Kerry Knowles on 082 894 6114.