The Salesian Hydroponics Eco Ubuntu Project
Cultivating Sustainability:
In a world where environmental sustainability is paramount, the Salesian Hydroponics Eco Ubuntu Project stands out as a key initiative underpinning progress. This innovative initiative, spearheaded by the Salesians, embodies the essence of community empowerment and ecological stewardship. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing renewable energy, water access, waste management, hydroponics, and sustainable cultivation, the project aims to create a greener future for all.
Launched by the Salesian AFM Provincial Office in Johannesburg in January 2024, the Eco Ubuntu project is a testament to the Salesians’ commitment to holistic development. With a presence in three countries – South Africa, Lesotho, and eSwatini – and operations in seven locations, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Maseru, Maputsoe, Manzini, and Malkerns, the project casts a wide net of impact.
At its core, the Eco Ubuntu project seeks to instill a “green mindset” within communities by facilitating accessible and practical green interventions. From hydroponic systems, solar installation training to borehole installations, the project empowers individuals to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives. Central to this endeavor is the promotion of hydroponics – a soil-less farming technique that maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes environmental impact.
The Salesian Institute Youth Projects in Green Point, serve as vital hubs for the implementation of the project’s initiatives in Cape Town. Through hydroponics and solar training programmes, young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving green economy. Additionally, waste management units at the Delf Centre reinforce the importance of responsible resource utilization.
One of the project’s standout achievements is the integration of hydroponics into education and employment pathways for disadvantaged youth.
Under the NEETs Youth Employability Programme, young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) are actively involved in the rollout and implementation of hydroponics projects in their communities. By engaging these youth in meaningful work, the project not only addresses unemployment but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in environmental conservation efforts.
Furthermore, the Eco Ubuntu project extends its reach to the Learn to Live students, offering them invaluable hands-on experience in hydroponic farming.
By cultivating produce using hydroponic systems, these students not only learn practical skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for sustainable agriculture.
As the Salesians continue to champion the cause of environmental sustainability through the Don Bosco Green Alliance, the impact of the Eco Ubuntu project reverberates far beyond its immediate communities. It serves as a model for grassroots initiatives that harness the power of education, innovation, and collaboration to create a greener, more inclusive world.
In essence, the Salesian Hydroponics Eco Ubuntu Project, spearheaded by SIYP in Cape Town, is more than just a cultivation of plants; it is a cultivation of hope, resilience, and unity in the face of environmental challenges. By nurturing both the land and the people who tend to it, the project paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.
