Our Programs

Our members have the opportunity to pick their own projects based on what they enjoy doing, what they are really curious about learning or on changes that they would like to see in their communities. All projects will have 4 levels, beginner, intermediate, advanced and professional level but it is up to our members how quickly they are able to move from one level to the next. The levels are important because as they advance, they are then able to mentor others in their clubs and communities.

1. Environment and S.T.E.M

This program supports and fosters invention and innovation among our members. Members are exposed to alternative methods of building and alternative forms of energy. They are taught how these work and how they can utilize them. They are then given the space and opportunity to apply this learning in innovative and inventive ways to address challenges they face in their schools and communities.

2. Regenerative Agriculture and Food Security

The aim of the program is to create edible and regenerative ecosystems in schools and surrounding communities. Members will be taught permaculture principles that promote the creation of a healthy ecosystem, eliminating the need for expensive inputs and ensure the long term health of the soil. The “save our soil” campaign will educate members and communities about the importance and benefits of having healthy soil for their food gardens. The program aims to create a synergy between the school nutrition program and school gardens while promoting community gardens to assist in poverty alleviation. It will utilize techniques to bring agriculture into small spaces for urban gardeners as well as squatter camps. Through our permaculture program, edible and regenerative ecosystems will be created that will ensure regenerative agriculture and food security in an era fraught with challenges such as climate change and water scarcity. The program will also teach growing from seed, seed saving and plant propagation so that schools can save money through seed production. The program will also cover the business side of agriculture so that schools can have a viable income from their activities. Schools will be encouraged to support each other and offer complementary services so that they can be able to barter with each other for services and resources creating economies in their communities. 

3. Nutrition and Healthy Living

It is important for young people and communities to make the connection between the foods they eat, the nutritional aspects of it and the health benefits associated with them. Understanding nutritional labels and what they mean will allow them to be able to make better food choices. This will also have the intended effect of motivating them to have home gardens and produce their own fruits and vegetables. The program will promote a holistic approach to health and fitness that utilizes food as medicine while also incorporating movement and physical activities. This will be implemented through healthy living clubs which will be structured around assets available within communities. This will arm members with information that will assist them in making informed decisions when it comes to their nutrition.

4. Community Engagement and Ubuntu

Community engagement and community involvement is the cornerstone of 4-H. the success of the program depends on identifying assets within the community that our members can utilize to complete their projects. Assets can be caring adults, people with skills that are willing to share with members, individuals who are willing to learn along with our members and existing organizations within the community. Community projects focus on creating a community that cares for its vulnerable members. It also helps to create a connection between members and their communities which will continue even when they have left the community. We also focus on ensuring that those who choose to stay in the community are able to lead successful and productive lives within these communities. Ubuntu is a concept that is steeped in African culture combining the two goes a long way towards creating socially cohesive communities. This pillar will highlight the fact that the development of communities is in the hands of its members. This is to assist in reversing the brain drain that sometimes occurs in communities and help in keeping bright young people connected to communities that they come from in a positive way. 

5. Arts, Culture & Heritage

Arts, culture and heritage are an important part of communities. They exists as a form of expression for young people. This program will give members an opportunity to set up and perform plays, music, etc. It will assist in telling young people’s stories in their own languages and from their perspectives. This program intends to incubate future actors and writers as well as traditional praise poets. This program represents the celebration of the diverse cultures and traditions of South Africa while also bringing them into the 21st century. 

6. Democracy

Understanding the responsibility that comes with democracy is an important education point for young people. Ensuring that more young people are involved and are aware of the political process ensures that in future there will be qualified and capable political leaders for the country. Young people need to learn this at an early age so that they are able to adopt it as a lifestyle. Democracy in South Africa is still new and the country has not fully made the transition from revolutionary movement to political country. This is something that the young people are poised to be more effective in than previous generations. The political landscape of the country calls for a different type of leader who is able to move past the racial past of the country and look forward to building a future that takes into account all the citizens of the country. 

7. Entrepreneurship

South Africa currently has a huge unemployment challenge especially among the youth. Entrepreneurship is one of the ways that this can be dealt with. This program provide our members with opportunities to practice entrepreneurship. They will be given the opportunity to start a businesses at individual or club level and will be provided mentorship and exposure to help them grow their businesses. They will be provided with the opportunity to make their mistakes and learn from them earlier on which will give them the courage and ability to take on bigger projects in future. An emphasis will also be made on the importance of giving back as well as taking care of employees as these are some of the challenges that are faced by business owners in South Africa. Learning this at an early age will have an impact on the future of the country. The program also aims to promote school businesses which can provide a source of income for schools and enable them to be more independent and able to address some of their infrastructure challenges.