Lusa Community Chest

27/10/2026

16/10/2026

09/10/2026

Growing Healthy Futures: The Garden in a Box Initiative for ECD Centres

Planting seeds of knowledge, nurturing young minds and growing healthier communities — one garden at a time.

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is about more than preparing children for formal schooling. It is also about creating environments where young children can develop healthy habits, explore the world around them and learn valuable life skills from an early age.

Through the Garden in a Box initiative, ECD practitioners who have completed the Gr8Start ECD Training Programme are given an additional opportunity to develop practical agricultural skills and introduce sustainable gardening practices at their centres.

The initiative builds on the foundation established through Gr8Start, extending educators' skills beyond the classroom and into the garden. By equipping ECD practitioners with the knowledge and resources to grow their own vegetables, the programme aims to help centres supplement nutritious meals for young children while introducing learners to the importance of food production, environmental responsibility and sustainability.

From Classroom Learning to Practical Gardening

All ECD centres that complete the Gr8Start training programme undergo this additional gardening component, which provides practical guidance on establishing and maintaining a vegetable garden.

The interactive training gives practitioners the opportunity to learn by doing, developing the confidence to start and manage a garden even if they have limited previous gardening experience.

The training covers several important areas:

- Site preparation:Learning how to prepare the ground, select a suitable garden area and organise the layout for effective planting.
- Planting and maintenance: Understanding seed placement, spacing, crop cultivation, watering and the ongoing care needed to maintain a productive vegetable garden.
- Sustainable practices: Discovering practical ways to use available resources responsibly and introduce environmentally conscious activities into everyday learning.
- Learning through gardening: Exploring how gardens can become outdoor classrooms where children learn about plants, nutrition, the environment and the responsibility of caring for living things.

The training is facilitated by experienced trainer Phil Zwane, who guide participants through the practical steps involved in establishing a productive garden.

The intention is to ensure that educators leave with more than theoretical knowledge. They gain practical skills that can be implemented at their own ECD centres, creating opportunities for continued learning long after the training has ended.

Garden in a Box: Everything Needed to Get Growing

A key highlight of the initiative is the Garden in a Box starter kit, which each participant receives to take back to their ECD centre and put their new skills into practice. The initiative, developed in partnership with Reel Gardening, is designed to make vegetable gardening accessible, even to people with little or no previous gardening experience.

The medium-sized kits used in the programme require approximately 16 square metres of garden space and contain 12 monthly planting envelopes, marked from January to December. Each envelope contains pre-measured seed sachets representing different vegetable varieties.

The seeds are embedded in biodegradable paper strips, helping simplify the planting process by providing the correct spacing and depth. Planting guides and other supporting materials help educators plan and maintain their gardens.

With these resources, ECD practitioners can establish gardens that become valuable assets to their centres, supporting both food production and children's practical learning experiences.

Growing More Than Vegetables

The benefits of the Garden in a Box initiative extend well beyond the vegetables harvested.

For ECD centres, a productive garden can help supplement meals with freshly grown vegetables, contributing to children's nutrition. For educators, it creates opportunities to introduce lessons about healthy eating, plant growth, water conservation, caring for the environment and where food comes from.

Children can participate in age-appropriate activities such as observing seedlings, watering plants and watching vegetables grow. These experiences encourage curiosity, responsibility, sensory exploration and an early appreciation for nature.

The garden can also become a practical teaching resource, connecting classroom lessons to everyday life and demonstrating how small, consistent efforts can produce meaningful results.

By adding this agricultural component to the Gr8Start ECD Training Programme, educators are empowered to create learning environments that nurture the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically.

The vision is simple: grow food, grow knowledge and grow opportunities for a healthier future.

Every seed planted represents an opportunity to learn, every garden creates a space for discovery, and every harvest offers the potential to make a difference in the lives of young children.

Through Gr8Start and the Garden in a Box initiative, ECD centres are being encouraged to cultivate not only vegetables, but also a lasting culture of learning, sustainability and community empowerment.

09/10/2026

Empowering Educators, Transforming Futures: Gr8Start ECD Training

Building stronger foundations for young children by equipping the educators who shape their earliest learning experiences.

Early Childhood Development (ECD) lays the foundation for a child's future learning, development and success. During these formative years, children develop essential social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills that influence their readiness for formal schooling and their ability to navigate the world around them. At the heart of this development are dedicated, well-equipped educators who have the knowledge, passion and confidence to unlock every child's potential.

The Gr8Start ECD Training Programme is committed to empowering Early Childhood Development teachers and principals by strengthening their teaching skills, broadening their understanding of child development and inspiring them to create safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environments.

This year, more than 80 ECD teachers attended the training, representing communities including Evaton, Ironside, Sharpeville and Zamdela. The programme provided an opportunity for educators to learn, share experiences, explore new ideas and discover practical ways to improve the quality of early childhood education in their communities.

Four Days of Learning, Discovery and Growth

Over four intensive and interactive days, educators participate in practical activities designed to prepare them to stimulate, develop and assess the social, emotional, physical and cognitive abilities of young children.

The training equips teachers with the skills to observe and monitor important developmental milestones, including motor coordination, hearing and listening abilities, visual processing and cognitive readiness for formal schooling.

By understanding these developmental areas, educators are better positioned to identify children's strengths, recognise areas where additional support may be needed and adapt their teaching approaches to meet individual learning needs.

The programme welcomes both experienced ECD teachers and principals who want to strengthen their knowledge, as well as those who have never had the opportunity to receive formal training. This inclusive approach recognises that every educator deserves access to the knowledge and tools needed to make a meaningful difference in children's lives.

What Makes Gr8Start ECD Training Unique?

Comprehensive learning materials

Each participant receives a learner manual and a basic start-up kit containing essential materials to assist with creating teaching resources and developmental assessment aids. These resources enable educators to apply what they learn directly in their classrooms.

Recycling for learning

Creativity does not have to come at a high cost. Educators discover how everyday waste materials can be transformed into valuable teaching and learning tools. Through recycling and resourcefulness, teachers learn to create engaging activities that stimulate children's curiosity while keeping costs manageable.

Understanding every child

No two children are exactly alike. The training explores different learning styles, temperaments and personalities, helping educators understand how children respond to their environment and acquire new skills. This knowledge supports more inclusive teaching approaches that recognise and respect individual differences.

Personal growth and development

Effective teaching begins with self-awareness. Through reflection and self-discovery, educators are encouraged to develop their confidence, self-esteem and leadership abilities. They also explore personal balance, relationship management and time management — essential skills for creating a positive and structured learning environment.

Safe, loving and structured classrooms

Children learn best when they feel safe, accepted and supported. Educators learn practical classroom management techniques, how to establish appropriate boundaries and how to maintain discipline in a loving and respectful manner. The programme emphasises the importance of trust-based relationships between teachers and learners.

Teaching Is More Than a Job — It Is a Calling!

Being an ECD educator requires more than delivering lessons. It demands patience, compassion, creativity and a genuine commitment to nurturing young minds.

Throughout the Gr8Start training, educators have opportunities to laugh, learn, exchange experiences and discover new ways of turning simple materials into powerful educational tools. Interactive activities encourage participation and demonstrate how learning can be both meaningful and enjoyable.

The programme also equips educators with effective conflict-resolution strategies to help them approach challenging classroom situations with greater confidence. By strengthening both professional competence and personal development, Gr8Start supports educators in becoming more effective role models for the children in their care.

The impact of quality ECD training extends far beyond the classroom. When educators are better equipped, children benefit from richer learning experiences, parents gain confidence in the care and education their children receive, and communities become stronger through improved early learning opportunities.

Investing in Educators Means Investing in the Future

The participation of more than 80 teachers from Evaton, Ironside, Sharpeville and Zamdela highlights the importance of creating opportunities for educators to develop their skills and strengthen their contribution to early childhood education.

Every activity completed, every new teaching technique discovered and every insight gained contributes towards the shared goal of giving young children a stronger start in life.

The Gr8Start ECD Training Programme continues to champion the belief that empowered educators can transform learning experiences and help build brighter futures for the next generation.

Join the Gr8Start Movement!

Gr8Start ECD Training is available for groups of 15 - 20 educators, offering an opportunity for ECD centres and organisations to invest in the development of their teaching teams.

For more information or to arrange training, contact:

Retha Jacobs
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 016 976 2064

Together, let us empower educators, nurture young minds and build a brighter future — one child at a time!

09/10/2026

Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy: Every Abigail Receives a Copy of Money Matters

As part of the Abigail Enterprise Development Programme, all participants who successfully complete the three days of intensive financial management training will each receive a copy of Money Matters: Be Involved, Stay Empowered, written by Adelaide Makube.

This initiative reinforces the programme's commitment to equipping women entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, tools and resources to build financially sustainable businesses and make informed decisions about their personal finances.

Beyond the Numbers: Building a Healthy Relationship with Money

Financial management is one of the most important skills for any entrepreneur. However, managing money involves more than keeping records, calculating costs and monitoring income and expenses. It also requires understanding personal money habits, confronting financial challenges and developing the discipline to make responsible financial decisions.

Money Matters: Be Involved, Stay Empowered is a 127-page guide designed to help readers strengthen their personal and business finances, address unhealthy money habits and work towards greater financial empowerment.

The book explores important themes such as financial literacy, the relationship between money and emotions, compliance, accountability and practical money management. These principles complement the financial management training offered through the Abigail Programme and encourage participants to put their learning into practice beyond the classroom.

Practical Principles for Financial Empowerment

Among the key financial principles associated with Adelaide Makube's work are:

Financial Reality Check: Taking an honest look at one's current financial situation, understanding the numbers and confronting challenges rather than avoiding them.

Financial Stop-Loss: Identifying unnecessary expenses, harmful financial habits and activities that drain valuable resources, and taking action to stop the losses.

Debt Recovery: Developing structured and realistic plans to manage debt and regain financial control.

Income Building: Looking beyond cutting expenses and actively exploring opportunities to increase income and develop additional revenue streams.

These principles are particularly relevant to women entrepreneurs who are working to grow their businesses while balancing household responsibilities and other financial commitments.

Turning Knowledge into Action

The distribution of Money Matters is intended to extend the learning experience beyond the three-day training sessions. Participants will have a resource they can revisit as they apply their financial management skills, review their business practices and work towards their financial goals.

By combining structured training with practical reading material, the Abigail Programme encourages participants to take greater ownership of their financial decisions, strengthen accountability and develop habits that support long-term business sustainability.

The ultimate goal is not simply to help women understand financial management, but to empower them to use that knowledge to improve their businesses, create opportunities and build a stronger financial future for themselves and their families.

Financial empowerment begins with knowledge, grows through disciplined action and becomes sustainable through consistent practice.

Through the Abigail Enterprise Development Programme, women entrepreneurs are being encouraged to become more confident, informed and financially empowered business owners — one decision at a time.

09/10/2026

Abigail Enterprise Development Programme Empowers Women Entrepreneurs Across the Vaal Region

The Abigail Enterprise Development Programme continues to make significant strides in empowering women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and support they need to build sustainable and successful businesses.

The programme has entered its third month in Edenpark, Sasolburg, Meyerton and Sebokeng, where women entrepreneurs are actively participating in training sessions designed to strengthen both their personal and business development. The programme is also expanding its reach, with two new cohorts set to commence in October in Parys and Vredefort, extending these opportunities to even more women entrepreneurs.

Building Stronger Businesses Through Practical Training

Since the start of the programme, participants have completed a range of training modules addressing the challenges faced by township entrepreneurs. The training focuses on developing essential business management skills, encouraging strategic thinking and helping participants make informed decisions about the future of their businesses.

Topics covered to date include:

*The Paradoxes Affecting Township Entrepreneurs

*Money Trauma and the Relationship with Money

*Strategic Planning

*SWOT Analysis

*Business Plan Development

*Financial Management

*Procurement

*Costing and Pricing

*Brand Identity

*Marketing

*Social Media Marketing

*Personal mastery

These modules aim to help entrepreneurs move beyond day-to-day survival and begin building businesses with clear goals, sound financial practices, effective marketing strategies and a stronger understanding of their markets.

The programme also recognises that entrepreneurship is not only about business skills. Personal development, mindset and the ability to overcome challenges play an equally important role in creating sustainable enterprises. By addressing both personal and business-related barriers, the Abigail Programme seeks to empower women to become more confident, resilient and capable business owners.

Mentorship: Learning from Women Who Have Walked the Journey

An exciting milestone has been reached, with 85 women entrepreneurs from the first four cohorts having started their mentorship sessions.

These sessions are led by experienced women who are already running successful businesses. The mentors bring practical knowledge, personal experience and valuable insights into the realities of entrepreneurship.

Through this mentorship component, participants have the opportunity to discuss their business challenges, identify opportunities for growth, strengthen their decision-making and receive guidance from women who understand the demands of running a business.

The involvement of successful women entrepreneurs also creates opportunities for networking, collaboration and the development of supportive relationships among women in business.

Mentorship is an important part of the Abigail Programme because training provides the knowledge, while ongoing guidance helps entrepreneurs apply that knowledge in their everyday business activities.

Creating Opportunities for Growth and Sustainability

As the programme progresses, the focus remains on helping women entrepreneurs establish stronger foundations for long-term business growth. The combination of structured training and practical mentorship is designed to support participants as they improve their business operations, strengthen their brands, manage their finances and explore new market opportunities.

The expansion into Parys and Vredefort marks another important step in extending the programme's reach and creating opportunities for more women to participate in enterprise development.

Every training session, business discussion and mentoring conversation contributes to the broader goal of developing confident, skilled and sustainable women-owned businesses.

The Abigail Enterprise Development Programme is more than a training initiative — it is an investment in women, their businesses, their families and the communities they serve.

As the programme continues to grow, so does the opportunity to unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs and contribute to stronger local economies through business development, empowerment and sustainable entrepreneurship.

09/10/2026

Celebrating the Hands That Build Communities: Lusa Recognises Its Donors and Community Builder of the Year, Deebbie Griesel

Honouring generosity, partnership and a shared commitment to making a difference.

At the heart of every thriving community are people who believe that change is possible and who are willing to invest their time, resources and compassion to make it happen. At the Lusa Annual General Meeting (AGM), we celebrate these individuals, organisations and partners whose generosity and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The AGM is more than an opportunity to reflect on achievements and review the organisation's progress. It is also a moment to express our sincere gratitude to the donors and supporters who stand alongside Lusa in its mission to empower individuals, strengthen families and build more resilient communities.

Recognising Our Valued Donors

Behind every successful community initiative is a network of people and organisations who choose to contribute towards something bigger than themselves. Our donors are an essential part of the Lusa journey. Their support helps create opportunities for learning, personal development, skills training, entrepreneurship and community upliftment.

Through their generosity, Lusa can continue to invest in programmes that equip people with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to improve their circumstances and build a better future.

From supporting educational initiatives and youth development to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening community organisations, every contribution plays a role in creating lasting change.

We recognise that giving is not simply about financial contributions. It is about believing in people, recognising potential and understanding that sustainable community development requires collective effort.

To every donor and partner who has supported Lusa, we extend our heartfelt appreciation. Your contribution is not merely a donation; it is an investment in human potential, dignity and hope.

Your partnership reminds us that when communities, businesses and individuals work together, meaningful progress becomes possible.

Community Builder of the Year: Debbie Griesel

A special highlight of this year's AGM is the recognition of Debbie Griesel as Lusa's Community Builder of the Year.

This recognition celebrates the spirit of community building — the willingness to contribute, to care, to support others and to play a meaningful role in creating a stronger society.

Community builders understand that real change does not happen overnight. It takes commitment, compassion, perseverance and a willingness to make a difference, often without expecting anything in return. They recognise that the strength of a community lies not only in its resources, but also in the relationships, partnerships and shared values that hold people together.

By honouring Debbie, Lusa celebrates the importance of individuals who embody the spirit of service and remind us that every positive action, no matter how big or small, can influence the lives of others.

The Community Builder of the Year recognition is more than an award. It is a tribute to the power of people who help bring communities together, inspire others to become involved and contribute towards a future in which more people have the opportunity to thrive.

Debbie's recognition serves as a reminder that community development is not the responsibility of one organisation alone. It is a shared responsibility that calls for people who are prepared to stand up, get involved and become part of the solution.

Congratulations, Debbie, on this well-deserved recognition. May your example continue to inspire others to become active participants in building stronger, more caring and more empowered communities.