MALKERNS – The Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI) donated over E400 000-worth of garden tools to 26 primary schools on Friday.
The schools, being: Nhlambeni Nazarene, Nhlambeni North Holiness, Maguga Dam, Mhlangatane, Machegwini, Entfubeni, Bhekephi, Mahlabaneni, Khalakahle, Ekuhlamukeni, Good Shepherd, Majembeni, Dlalisile, Sidvokodvo Railway, Sbuyeni, Usuthu Anglican, Sidvokodvo Nazarene, Mpuluzi, Zondwako, Mthunzini, Gege Methodist, Chibidzi, Mpatheni, Jerusalem, Dwaleni and Eqinisweni, received spades, rakes, and water tanks valued at E476,759.
TAVI’s donation is said to be benefitting 8 000 pupils and it is expected to grow to over 20 000 monthly.
The ceremony was held at the Malkerns Research Station and attended by the Taiwan Ambassador Jeremy Liang, Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo and the Ministry of Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS) Sidney Simelane and other officials.
The event showcased the strong bilateral ties between Taiwan and Eswatini. Ambassador Liang reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to supporting Eswatini’s development, particularly in agriculture and education.
The donation aims to enhance agricultural education, promote nutrition, and support sustainable vegetable production in schools.
Minister of Education and Training, Nxumalo, extending his gratitude said the handover marks a significant step toward promoting education, food security, and environmental care.
Nxumalo said TAVI’s donation is helping schools integrate agricultural skills with nutrition education, noting that it will close the gaps from reported shortages of equipment in schools and enhance sustainable gardening efforts.
Pupils are practicing growing traditional vegetables like amaranth, African nightshade, jute mallow, and okra, which boosts their nutrition and preserves local food heritage.
He also stated that the ministry will be permanently employing 100 teachers who were hired with contracts in the year of 2018.
The minister appreciated working with partners to ensure its success in empowering learners and communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka, PS Simelane said the funding promotes traditional vegetable farming, nutrition education, and agrobiodiversity.
He also announced upcoming school competitions to encourage gardening, nutrition awareness, and cooking with traditional vegetables, emphasizing the project’s lasting impact on health, education, and livelihoods.
Discussion about this post