At Iteko Special School in Rustenburg in the North West, the 1st Iteko Scouts are learning that planting and caring for a tree means investing in their school, their community and themselves.

“Iteko Special School offers both Primary and Secondary learning, with a special focus on practical skills development. For me, this makes it especially important that our Scouts have opportunities to learn skills that they can use in everyday life,” explains teacher and Troop Scouter Connie Sekete.

“Late last year, we were given a few trees to plant at the school. We were excited to get started, but unfortunately, we did not have fencing to protect the young trees. As learners left the school premises, some of the trees were walked over and destroyed. It was disappointing, but I did not want us to give up. I was determined that we should find a way to plant trees at the school. We need trees for shade, and I also wanted our learners to experience the responsibility of planting something, looking after it and watching it grow.

Together with the school leadership, we were able to source fencing. Once the fencing was in place, we could start again. This time, our learners planted avocados. For me, this is about much more than planting trees. I want our Scouts to learn that they can grow things themselves. Gardening is a practical skill. It also teaches patience and responsibility. You cannot plant a tree today and expect to enjoy the fruit tomorrow. You have to look after it. You have to give it time. Our learners enjoy planting; they learn from it and can use that skill to provide food for themselves and their families one day.”

The 1st Iteko Scouts were excited to plant their tree and understood the difference it will make. Gift, one of the Scouts explained: “I planted the tree and when it grows it will give us shelter from the sun.” The Scouts sang and danced as they learnt the ins and outs of planting and caring for trees.

Planting avocados was a deliberate choice and forms part of SCOUTS South Africa’s Food for Life initiative. The programme gives young people practical skills to grow food and understand the importance of food security. Through Scouts for SDGs, these small actions also contribute to the bigger goals of creating healthier communities, protecting our environment and working towards Zero Hunger, Climate Action and Life on Land.

“We are not just planting trees. We are learning by doing and are growing together,” says Connie.