Veggies4Kids, four primary schools and just under 3,000 children

Growing food. Growing skills. Growing independence.

Knowing how to grow food is a basic life skill. Through Veggies4Kids, Restore Africa Foundation works in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education to bring basic agricultural skills development into primary schools.

We teach children innovative, practical ways to cultivate fresh produce where space and water are limited. Our approach introduces growing vegetables on a manageable scale, using containers and simple demonstrations to make the learning accessible.

The initiative has been completed at four primary schools, reaching just under 3,000 children with basic skills in growing their own vegetables. Our aim is to give learners knowledge they can carry into their homes and communities.

Learning by doing

Veggies4Kids makes food growing something children can see, explore and practise. Our sessions introduce the basics of growing vegetables, caring for plants and making thoughtful use of the resources available.

We want practical skills to become part of children's learning from an early age. Growing a plant offers opportunities to practise patience, responsibility and observation, while building an understanding of where fresh food comes from.

Our goal is to build the confidence to start small and keep learning — and to encourage learners to share those skills with their families.

Small spaces. Real possibilities.

Limited land and water are part of the reality many families face. Veggies4Kids introduces ways to grow on a small scale, with a focus on using available space and water carefully. The aim is to make starting a vegetable garden feel achievable.

We see this as a step towards greater food self-sufficiency: equipping children with a practical skill that can help them contribute to their households and communities over time.

Growing together

Veggies4Kids is about giving children the opportunity to learn a practical skill and discover what they can grow. Working with schools creates a place for questions, demonstrations and shared learning.

Our vision is for learners to take this knowledge beyond the school grounds: to try growing vegetables at home, share what they have learned and develop confidence in their ability to help themselves.

Small beginnings can grow into lasting skills.

Programme information supplied by Restore Africa Foundation, 3 November 2026. Helping those who need a little help to help themselves.