Mamelodi youth exposed to agriculture
The Skate Club is making agriculture accessible and cool to attract the next generation of farmers.
A Mamelodi organisation is teaching the local youth responsibility and ability to fend for itself.
Mamelodi Skate Club (MSC), which operates the local skatepark, started a micro farming programme to teach the youth how to grow organic vegetables and debunk the myth that agriculture was for the uneducated.
MSC also teaches people how to skate.
Poelo Mofolo of MSC said one of the club’s main goals is to encourage the youth to get involved in their communities by learning how to grow organic crops and exposing them to agriculture and a healthy lifestyle.
“MSC is committed to exposing the next generation of farmers to agriculture and to make it accessible and cool for them,” said Mofolo.
He said MSC members who couldn’t afford to buy themselves skateboards could volunteer to the garden project at Tateni community care services in Mamelodi West, Moretele View Tuesdays and Thursdays.
In return when they have accumulated a certain amount of hours working in the garden, MSC would help them with a new skateboard.
“This is another way the MSC wants to help the youth by instilling a good work ethic and helping them to have goal orientated mindsets,” said Mofolo.
This programme is supported by Bun&Bunee Skateboards, Skateistan (JHB) and Tateni community care services.
The MSC mission is to offer all children a public space that they can claim as their own and create a sense of belonging.
“The skatepark initiative also aims to demonstrate the value of playful learning and empower children to take initiative in their own lives.
“This skate initiative wants to be the bridge – that works close with schools and the community at large. By being aware of local issues it will help us achieve this.”
Mofolo said that they want to build a recreational facility for the Youth of Mamelodi – using sports and art as a learning tool in the community and at the same time creating a safe space and tearing down social barriers among young people.
He however said they were struggling to find land.
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