The COVID-19 pandemic has brought much economic hardship to several communities, supported by the Light From Africa Foundation (LFAF). Many families were left destitute after job cuts and having to pay for additional medicines and healthcare as family members contracted the virus.
At the height of the pandemic last year, the Light From Africa Foundation (LFAF) conducted a needs assessment and as an immediate action, began distributing food hampers to vulnerable families. While this proved to be unsustainable as a long-term solution, the LFAF team launched its community food garden initiative.
The project is being implemented in Suurbraak, Barrydale, and Buffelsjags River and is empowering people like Gertruida Julius, to develop new skills while ending hunger and poverty in vulnerable communities. She shares how her vegetable garden has given her new hope and has restored her dignity:
“During the pandemic, I was struggling. We were told to take the necessary precautions and were encouraged to start growing our own vegetables. I decided to clean up the area outside my house and began working on the soil. I am very happy because a year later, the Lord has blessed me with another good crop. I have green beans, potatoes, onions, sweetcorn, and pumpkin. I have food on my table, and I can also share with my neighbours who are in need.”
“I would like to thank the LFAF. I am proud of myself, and I can truly see who I am…I am still very passionate about my vegetable garden and I don’t know what I would do if I did not have this garden. Thank you and I hope God continues to bless you so that you can help many more.”
Gertruida’s son, Donovan, sat down with her to find out more about how her garden has transformed her life. Click the link below to listen to the interview:
How you can help
This festive season, we need your help to support 45 new families establish their own food gardens.
Sponsor a seedling hamper from just R50. This pack consists of five different varietals, totalling 50 seedlings.
