The Mpumalanga Department of Education, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, USA based Fresh Ministries, Conservation SA and Be the Change Africa, launched the Arcon to Oaks Aquaponics at the Arcon to Oaks Secondary School in Arconhoek, Bohlabela District.
The project, funded by Fresh Ministries, started in 2019 and is a climate change response to global change.
It uses green technology to breed talapia fish and grow lettuce, coriander, beetroot, garlic, onion, cabbage, tomatoes, pumpkin, strawberries and parsley, among others.
Aquaponics is farming fish and using the water from the fish tank to grow plants without using soil.
The science behind this technology and innovation is useful for physical sciences, life sciences and mathematics learners as they will see the application of science and mathematics principles in real life just next to their school.
The Aquaponics Project was appropriately launched at Arcon to Oaks Secondary School as a Mathematics, Science and Technology School as it will assist teach learners new models of food production.
Food security at the school has been guaranteed, and a teaching tool for Agricultural Sciences and Technology has been secured.
The Department is grateful for the coming fruition of this project, and it takes this opportunity to extend its appreciation to all the roleplayers.