Schools Programme

Grain SA Schools Programme

The Schools Programme is a result of a partnership between the Maize Trust and the AgriSETA, which all fund the programme in different ways and in the different areas. Several people have been contracted to do the presentations at identified schools in all nine provinces of South Africa. There are also DVD's available that are shown to learners throughout all the provinces of South Africa each term. These DVDs portray messages such as:

Food, Fiber, Life

A DVD shown to Grade 9 learners that focusses on creating awareness among learners of the type of products that are derived from agriculture

Dig in - Introduction to Farming

Shown in the second term and teaches learners about the agricultural production areas in South Africa and what is grown where. It also gives a broad overview of soil, the factors influencing it and soil conservation methods.

Economics: What's in it for me?

This DVD is shown in conjunction with "Dig in" and places emphasis on various economical concepts

Plant yourself in the future

Presented in the third term and has a strong focus on career choices and gives an overview of the types of careers that the agricultural sector has to offer

Careers in Agriculture - Livestock

A slightly more in-depth view on various types of careers that originate within or are associated with agriculture. This DVD is shown in conjunction with "Plant yourself in the future"

This initiative recognises the potential of youth to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector IF they can be alerted to the urgent need for them to participate as future farmers or in other careers in agriculture. Africa is a young continent with 65% population below 35 years of age and 10 to 12 million young people estimated to enter the workforce every year.

During the 2018/20109 year a total of 361 visits were made by trained Grain SA Farmer Development facilitators during the first, second and third terms of 2018.

Feedback:

Teacher, Mr Dlamini of Macingwane High School, said he felt the learners had learned that most food consumed comes from agriculture and were able to understand that there are a number of careers to pursue in agriculture. He said they would appreciate it if learners could receive pamphlets with information they have seen from the video clips – also with names of careers to pursue in a particular field of production.

Learner, Tshabalala Nokulunga, said: This visit was of great value to me, because I’ve learnt a lot about agriculture. I learnt about food from which grains and cereals are made, learned about tuberous plants, vegetables, fruits, nuts, beverages, cotton and fibre. I also learned about cotton fibre that is grown by farmers, food from animals like cows that produce meat and milk. Pigs produce pork meat from which sausages are made. Clothes like shirts, skirts, T-shirts and so on are made from fibres like cotton. Sheep produce wool from which jerseys, hats, scarfs, gloves and socks are made.