Alfreda Mars, coordinator of the NAMPO Cape Schools Programme, stated, “The feedback from both learners and teachers who attended the program last year was so positive that it was decided to extend the programme. Through NAMPO Cape Schools Programme, we believe we can stimulate learners’ interest in the agricultural sector as a possible career option.”
Mr Neil Simons, Chief Education Specialist of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) helped to identify the 21 schools that were invited this year. The WCED has also expanded their involvement and support for the programme and is taking responsibility for the transport costs for the 350 learners attending this year. Schools from the Eden Central Karoo, Cape Winelands, Metropole, West Coast and Overberg Education Districts were invited to the programme.
“The WCED realizes the value of the schools programme offered at NAMPO Cape as it supports and supplements the Grade 11 curriculum for Agricultural Technology, Agricultural Management and Agricultural Science in a practical way. Learners will also be made aware of the variety of fields of study they can follow to pursue a career in agriculture.”
Omnia’s Agriculture Division which is known for its proprietary Nutriology® model, is providing every learner attending the schools programme with a Reel Gardening Box. Each box contains various and carefully selected varieties of seed tapes which (with instructions) can feed a family of four for a year. Learners will be able to produce their own seasonal vegetables with the Reel Gardening Box and gain first-hand experience in contributing to food security, their community, and the power of the agriculture industry.
The Nedbank Agricultural Schools Programme is presented from Wednesday, 13 to Friday 15 September in the Western Cape Department of Agriculture Tent. Here, learners will learn more about vertical farming systems, vegetable cultivation, genetic excellence and breeding planning, the role of the Department of Agriculture in sustainable agriculture and career opportunities and fields of study in agriculture. Nedbank will also equip the learners with knowledge about financial planning and student loans for possible post-school study.
The programme also includes a practical part where the learners visit, among other things, the Nooitgedacht hydroponic farming at Bredasdorp Park, the grain trials where various companies test the latest cultivars, fertilization and crop protection, breed exhibitions in the Land Bank Livestock Tent, and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s mobile meat processing unit.