[HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK] Cape flats students broaden their green horizons!

Written by: Thumeka Qupuna

Following intensive work of planting trees at the schools during the winter season, South African Education Project resumed with their greening workshops. In attendance were the learners from Sophumelela high school and Vukani primary. Taking Roots workshop was the last workshop for the first year of garden development, and it aimed at educating the learners about the propagation of plants. In developing a healthy garden, it is essential to establish a small ‘starter garden ‘for utilization of garden expansion, therefore propagation of plants is important for garden expansion and maintenance.

Plant propagation is the technique of creating new plants from existing plants and this be done in a number of ways. It is a great skill to practice because you can make lots of new plants for your garden rather than having to purchase them.

The objective of the workshop was for learners to develop a clear understanding of the different plant parts and their functions, to identify the phases in plant’s life cycle, to develop skills to grow plants using different propagation methods, and to develop skills to plant plants correctly. Through different exercises, the learners were taught about different plant parts and their functions, plant life cycle, and propagation and its importance.

They were also involved in a practical aspects of training by physically propagating plants themselves and they used stem cuttings of Plectranthus madagascariensis (Spur flower). "I will be able to pass the knowledge that I have gained" said Sophumelela High School students.