Former Deaf Student Thrives as Horticultural Manager

Michael, a former deaf student of King George Sixth School of the Disabled (KGVI) in Bulawayo, has defied the odds and found success as the horticultural manager of the school's agriculture gardens.

Thanks to the invaluable lessons he learned at ZDDT's Horticultural School, Michael has turned the once-struggling garden into a source of high-quality produce that now feeds over 300 students.

The Horticultural School, an initiative by the Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust (ZDDT) and the Sally Foundation, aims to empower individuals within institutions to take greater control of their agricultural practices.

The programme provides practical training and knowledge in horticulture practices equipping students with the skills they need to manage productive gardens effectively and enhance sustainably.

For Michael, the lessons he learned at ZDDT's Horticultural School became the cornerstone of his training and have had a profound impact on his current role as the horticultural manager at KGVI.

With dedication and hard work, he has transformed the school's gardens into a thriving source of nutritious produce.

Reflecting on his journey Michael said, "The garden management lessons I received from ZDDT's Horticultural School were crucial to my training. They empowered me with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage the gardens at KGVI."

Under Michael's watchful eye, the flourishing gardens are now providing a bountiful harvest of fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs. The produce, not only nourishes the student but also contributes to the school's food programme ensuring that every pupil receives a balanced, healthy diet.

"The results are visible in the work I do”, remarked Michael. "I have implemented innovative gardening techniques such as organic composting and crop rotation to enhance the quality and quantity of the produce. It's remarkable to see how a well-maintained garden can positively impact the lives of so many students."

The new garden manager’s remarkable success story demonstrates the importance of empowering individuals within institutions to take ownership of their agricultural practices to improve the well-being of beneficiaries. By equipping students like Michael with the necessary skills, ZDDT and the Sally Foundation have enabled them to transform their surroundings by themselves and make a significant difference in their communities.

Tendai, a teacher at KGVI, commended Michael's dedication and the impact he has had on the school. "Michael's involvement in managing the garden has been phenomenal. Not only has he brought much-need expertise to the role, but his commitment has inspired other students to take up horticulture as well. It has become a source of pride and accomplishment for our entire institution."

ZDDT and the Sally Foundation continue to champion initiatives like the Horticultural School recognizing the transformative power of agriculture and its potential to uplift individuals and communities. By investing in practical skills training, they empower individuals like Michael to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to their society.

As Michael tends to the flourishing gardens at KGVI his story stands as a testament to the incredible impact that empowerment and education can have. Today, he not only manages the gardens that supply nutritious produce, but also serves as an inspiration to others proving that determination, skills and opportunity can truly turn lives around.