Green Development Foundation brings greening project to Thembisa centre
A greening initiative has brought trees, vegetables and practical gardening lessons to the Phuthanang Training Centre for the Disabled in Thembisa.
The Phuthanang Training Centre for the Disabled in Thembisa received a green boost when the Green Development Foundation (GDF) visited the centre on July 31 as part of its Mandela Day initiatives.
The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Gauteng Department of Environment, Greater Cradle and Vuta eWaste.
As part of the programme, children at the centre were taught about the importance of greening, how to care for plants and how to germinate their own seeds.
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They also took part in planting trees and establishing a vegetable garden.
GDF marketing and communications manager Dr Keneilwe Sebola said the initiative reflected the foundation’s focus on inclusivity, sustainability and food security.
“We are trying to remove the green divide. You’ll see our townships are a little browner than in Sandton. The greener you have, the healthier the community is,” Sebola said.
“That’s why we want to give back. We want people to have spaces and opportunities to sit and breathe fresh air because the world is a difficult place.”
The event included activities, demonstrations by the GDF mascot Buti Green and practical planting sessions.
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The children were involved in planting a variety of vegetables, including mustard, cabbage, carrots and spinach.
The foundation also provided doors and additional chairs to the centre following a recent break-in.
Phuthanang Training Centre for the Disabled founder, Matima Serumula, expressed his appreciation to GDF and other stakeholders involved in the initiative.
“I’d like to thank GDF and God because all the support and work they do is not by their might but by God’s. I’m so grateful to see how happy these children are,” Serumula said.
“The joy they get at the centre, many of them often need it at home. The love we share for one another makes my heart very warm.”
Serumula also encouraged families of children living with disabilities to provide them with the same love, respect and opportunities as other children.
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He urged families and community members to avoid using derogatory language towards people living with disabilities.
Reflecting on the recent break-in at the centre, Serumula said the incident had been distressing for him and his staff.
He appealed to community members and potential donors to assist the centre with carpentry equipment and security cameras to strengthen its facilities and security.
The centre provides support to people who may otherwise face barriers to accessing opportunities and services in the community.
Those interested in supporting the Phuthanang Training Centre for the Disabled can contact the organisation at phuthanangcentre@gmail.com or brianserumula@gmail.com
