A Dream Becomes A Reality
The story of Green Futures is one of good news and hope in which unemployed people can find a new and exciting future in the field of fynbos landscaping and conservation. It all started as a dream of the Lutzeyer family, owners of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, to train unskilled people from local communities and to find work for them in fynbos landscaping and horticulture. What started as a dream has become reality through a public/private partnership project between Grootbos and DEG (German Investment and Development company). The DEG agreed to support Grootbos on a rand-for-rand basis over a two-year period to establish the Green Futures college and training program. The education centre has been built on Grootbos, a team of lecturers employed, a training curriculum developed and the first intake of twelve unemployed student’s chosen. The first year’s intake of eager ‘gardeners in the making’ began their training in June 2003.
Why Fynbos Gardeners?
From the perspective of the long-term conservation of the Cape’s unique flora, gardening with indigenous plants is a must. There is a growing trend in the Cape to grow water-wise gardens using indigenous plants. Not only does this make practical sense in a hot, dry region, but also indigenous plants are exceptionally varied, very beautiful and attract a wide variety of birds and other wildlife into gardens. But who is going to do this gardening? There is a severe shortage of knowledgeable people with the practical and theoretical experience to develop indigenous private or public gardens.
Helping Others Help Themselves
Green Futures is a non-profit organisation. Linked to the college is an indigenous wholesale plant nursery. As part of their practical work, students are involved in growing and caring for the plants that will ultimately be sold and the funds generated reinvested into the project. In this way we hope to develop a business model that will become self-sustainable after the initial two years of support provided by the DEG. In the longer term Green Futures intends expanding its courses on offer to include training in ecotourism, hospitality and nature conservation.
Our Services
Read more about the landscaping services offered by Green Futures.
Nomvumiso Viola Siyotywa - A dream becomes reality!
I was born in the Eastern Cape in November 1978. I own myself. That means I’m single. I grew up with my parents. We are seven children, 4 girls and 3 brothers. All of us are still breathing. I did my lowest level of education and Grade 12 in the Eastern Cape. I like to be honest, understanding and helpful.
Then in 2003 I came to Gansbaai for the purpose of job opportunities/employment. I had thoughts of working during the day and attending evening classes to further up my studies. That was what was in my mind because I like studying. There are words that say, ‘You are never too old to learn’. All in all I believe in the lifelong learning.
In May I worked for a Shark Diving company. My job was to serve the guests and general work. In the middle of 2006 July I saw the advertisement for Green Futures. I applied and luckily they selected me. I was glad because I was serious to be knowledgeable on the skills, especially about nature.
After I finished the course, Green Futures employed me as a trainee facilitator. I went to do the facilitating course and assessor's course. After on, I did the Higher Diploma in Adult Basic Education and Training (HDABET) for 3 years, college of Human Sciences. So I completed my Diploma last year in December. I am very happy to be a qualified teacher.
I will be graduating this year in winter.
