INCLUDID GROUP HOMES: THE GARDEN THAT NOURISHES A COMMUNITY

By JayDee Solomons

What began as a vision for food security and empowerment has blossomed into a thriving hub of growth, dignity, wellness, and opportunity. The INCLUDID Group Home Vegetable Garden, located in Maitland at the corner of Upper Camp and Haven Roads, is more than just a garden, it is a symbol of resilience, inclusion, and transformative community impact.

In 2023, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and Casidra began supporting this initiative as part of their commitment to food security and sustainable development. “The vegetable garden serves a dual purpose: improving nutrition and enhancing lives. Here, agriculture becomes a vehicle for healing, education, and economic opportunity,” says Project Implementer, Ntaketo Hlatshwayo.

At its core, the garden functions as a subsistence farming system designed to feed the 71 residents of the group home, most of whom are living with disabilities. Fresh, organically grown vegetables contribute to the residents’ daily nutrition, promoting health and well-being. During times of surplus, produce is sold to staff and members of the public at Oude Molen, generating additional income for the facility.

Faith Kgokong, the Employment Training Coordinator for the INCLUDID Group Home Vegetable Garden, plays a central role in this transformation. She provides hands-on job training to residents, many of whom also work in the garden instilling self-worth, independence, and practical skills. Training remains a cornerstone of the initiative, with ongoing development in key agricultural areas such as grafting and irrigation maintenance. This approach not only supports the sustainability of the garden but also equips participants with life-changing knowledge and competencies.

Looking ahead, the group intends to expand into poultry production, specifically breeding Lohmann Brown laying hens. This will further diversify the project and open new income streams through the sale of eggs and hens to the local community. Additionally, plans are underway to preserve surplus crops through dehydration and other value-adding methods, creating new products for sale and furthering food sustainability goals.

Casidra’s support, guided by Hlatshwayo’s unwavering commitment, has been instrumental in turning this vision into reality. The organisation has delivered critical infrastructure including a storage unit, chest freezer, and borehole repairs as well as vital inputs such as gardening tools, a dehydrator, compost, seeds, and an egg incubator, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.

“This initiative is not just about growing food it’s about growing people. It shows what’s possible when communities invest in inclusive development that recognises the potential in every individual,” says Kgokong.

The INCLUDID Group Home Vegetable Garden is a powerful example of how agriculture, when nurtured with compassion and purpose, can be a true catalyst for change.   As the garden continues to flourish, it will remain a source of nourishment, pride, and inspiration not only for the residents it directly supports but also for the wider community it touches.