Graceland hands over hydroponic tunnels to Marietjie School
Graceland works closely with Marietjie School, and when they see a need they will assist. Mr De Villiers said it is the best gift Graceland receives when they see the happiness in the children's faces and for them to be able to give back to the community.
SECUNDA – Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club handed over hydroponic tunnels to Marietjie School on Friday, 21 February.
This forms part of Graceland’s Southern Highveld Community Development Trust.
Apart from the tunnel, Graceland also donated the first 4 000 plants.
“The reason why we do this, is because of the children here at this school. This is something I believe they really can benefit from.
“The things I have learnt about these children is that they love music, love to be loved, and love working with their hand and that is where we came in with the hydroponic tunnels.
“It will teach them something that they can take forward in their lives,” said Mr Pieter De Villiers, general manager of Graceland.
Graceland works closely with Marietjie School, and when they see a need they will assist.
Mr De Villiers said it is the best gift Graceland receives when they see the happiness in the children’s faces and for them to be able to give back to the community.
He thanked Manger Care Centre (Skills and Economic Development Projects) who helped erect the tunnels and who are currently involved in several community projects in South Africa.
He also thanked the staff of Graceland for their work and involvement towards the project.
The hydroponic tunnels will form part of the new vocational skills development classes.
The classes offer agricultural studies, consumer studies, sewing production, welding, woodwork and timber.
All subjects are practical and hands-on and will teach the learners to be more self-sufficient at home.
The agricultural studies will teach children how to grow their own vegetables and how to become entrepreneurs from this skill.
The vegetables planted will be used for consumer study classes and also go towards the Marietjie School’s feeding scheme.
Teacher, Mr Jan-Louw Delport, said he has seen a huge change in the children’s moods and behaviour since they have been making use of the hydroponic tunnels.
“We need to teach them a subject where they can feel that they are able to do something and at the same time equip them with a skill,” said Mr Delport.
The children will also be taught how to cut edges and grass. Not only will vegetables be grown, but also medicinal plants such as insect repellents.
Ms Mariane Uekermann, principal of Marietjie School thanked Graceland for their continued support.
She also thanked the teachers of the school for all their input, especially teachers Mr Jan-Louw Delport and Mr Bongani Mahamotse for their hard work in making the project possible.
