Afrika Tikkun is empowering and nurturing a new generation of agricultural leaders who are poised to transform the country’s food insecurity crisis.

Johannesburg, South Africa (21 October 2024) – Food insecurity remains a big problem in our country. At Afrika Tikkun, food security isn’t just about providing a meal; it’s about creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals and communities.

Through its agriculture-driven initiatives, the organisation is helping young people reclaim their power by realising the value of planting their own food.

On World Food Day, observed on 16 October, Afrika Tikkun celebrated the success of its Garden-to-Kindergarten (G2K) and Agripreneurship Programmes.

Through the G2K initiative, an understanding of and love for planting vegetables is cultivated for children aged between 2 and 6 years in the Bambanani Childhood Development (ECD) programme. Here, they are also educated about nutrition and the importance of healthy eating.

With a pressing need to address hunger, poverty, and food scarcity in the country, the innovative Agripreneurship Programme, is also equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient and contribute to their communities’ well-being by completing the 12-month training.

From planting seeds in the garden to managing thriving farms, these young agripreneurs get to learn the art of sustainable agriculture.

Aligned with the 2024 World Food Day theme – Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future – the programme drives positive change by nurturing a new generation of farmers who understand the importance of producing nutritious, affordable and safe food for South African communities.

The Agripreneurship programme is currently operational in Diepsloot, Sasolburg and Empangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal, with a total of 188 active candidates.

According to Afrika Tikkun, the 2023 graduates have already secured positions within retail stores, managing fruit and vegetable sections, highlighting the success of the programme in integrating young people into the agricultural economy.

With practical training conducted in modern greenhouses, these graduates are now fully equipped to grow, cultivate and supply nutritious food, supporting the broader World Food Day goal of increasing food diversity and availability in local communities.

“This initiative, part of Afrika Tikkun’s Cradle-to-Career 360° philosophy, is about more than just farming – it’s about fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring that young South Africans have the tools they need to thrive in the agricultural sector.

“By learning how to establish their own farms and urban agricultural projects, these young agripreneurs are poised to not only alleviate hunger in their communities but also create sustainable livelihoods for themselves,” said Afrika Tikkun Agriculture CEO Alan Fleming.

As South Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of food insecurity, these young agripreneurs are a beacon of hope. They are producing nutritious, affordable food, reducing reliance on imports, and creating a more resilient food system.

Sources: Afrika Tikkun

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Youth and education-focused organisation Afrika Tikkun recently received very special gifts—new sports courts at its Diepsloot and Mfuleni centres!

South Africa (01 March 2024) — The month of February saw the exciting unveiling for Afrika Tikkun as newly inaugurated ‘sports courts’ were unveiled at the youth-focused organisation’s Diepsloot and Mfuleni centres in both Johannesburg and the Western Cape!

The Cruyff Courts unveiling events, which took place earlier this month, marked a significant milestone in community development; standing as a testament to the power of collaboration between organisations who believe in empowerment through laying the groundwork for empowerment and development.

Says Niels Meijer, CEO of the non-profit organisation Cruyff Court Foundation, provided a global perspective on the impact of Cruyff Courts worldwide, highlighting Cruyff Foundation founder Johan Cruyff’s passionate advocacy for sport.

Meijer expressed pride in carrying Johan’s legacy forward through various initiatives across Africa, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to fostering play, inclusion and community development.

Through the Cruyff Courts, the Foundation highlighted how communities worldwide can inspire and support each other, especially when children have a safe space to play, grow, and even discover talents just waiting to be unleashed.

Afrika Tikkun Group CEO Onyi Nwaneri underlined the pivotal role of the Cruyff Courts as a catalyst for positive change within the communities of Diepsloot and Mfuleni. Highlighting the importance of sports and recreation in holistic development, she underscored how these activities provide avenues for growth, leadership and a brighter future.

“Together, we have created a space that not only celebrates sports but also empowers individuals and builds stronger, more connected communities”,—Onyi Nwaneri.

Sources: Supplied; Afrika Tikkun 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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