A simple box of earthworms became a powerful teaching tool, when second-year Wits medical student Mika Ferreira visited Westdene-based Hotel Hope Montessori Preschool.
On March 3, she brought with her a project designed to enrich young minds, while also strengthening her, as a future healthcare practitioner, understanding of community health. Ferreira explained the visit forms part of their curriculum, encouraging students to engage meaningfully with communities. “It’s important for us to understand how the environments people live in influence their health.” The project touches on multiple aspects of wellbeing – environmental, physical, and even emotional, while supporting the Montessori approach followed at the home.

Read more: Hotel Hope Ministries is back on the road as Supergroup donates them two new minibuses

Although some little ones were hesitant about the wriggling visitors, Ferreira said the excitement will grow as the composting process becomes visible. “Once they start seeing how food scraps turn into something new, it becomes a lesson in nature, patience, and nurturing.”

Also read: Caregivers given the care they need at Hotel Hope Ministries 

The experience has also strengthened the team’s bond. “When you work toward a shared goal, it humbles you. You see the bigger picture. It teaches us to give, without expecting anything back.”

Hotel Hope founder Oliver Quambusch praised the initiative, noting that Wits students now spend one Thursday each month with the children. “The worm farm helps them understand the cycle of life. It’s a living organism the children can learn from.” He added that exposure to other communities helps future doctors appreciate the backgrounds their patients may come from.

Ferreira hopes to continue visiting beyond the academic requirement. “This place has become close to my heart.”

This is an inspiring reminder of how small acts can grow deep community roots.

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