Making a Living: Empowering 15 women in Pimville, Soweto, to mentor the local youth to resolve conflict peacefully, and use permaculture to increase food security

The project delivered intensive workshops on conflict transformation, gender equity, and life skills to local women, enabling them to mentor students at Motjoli Primary and Emshukantambo High School. Additionally, participants received theoretical and prac tical permaculture training, resulting in the establishment of a community garden at Motjoli Primary School, 12 individual household gardens, and the planting of 12 grafted fruit trees. 16 participants (12 women and 4 men) completed the permaculture programme in total. 46 learners and 2 educators received direct mentorship and violence prevention coaching. Local community households benefitted from the permaculture initiative. The project successfully established strong local partnerships with the Ward 25 Councillor, the School Governing Body Association, and specialised NGOs like Ukuvuna and Sizanani. It exceeded its initial goals with direct youth mentoring started earlier than originally planned. Participants reported that the mentorship training served as a “healing journey” for them personally. Future prospects include launching a “Centre of Excellence” garden and nursery to supply the local community and creating markets for surplus produce.