Ambassadors plant trees for Mandela Day

The Limpopo TEACH Ambassadors visited Hlokomela children’s home on Nelson Mandela International Day, 18 July, to contribute their 67 minutes to the community.

The task at hand was to plant the Elephant bush (Spekboom porkbush) cactus.

The succulent garden plant is scientifically renowned for its ability to convert large quantities of carbon dioxide to oxygen, and elephants are known to love this plant to bits.

Planting started by digging holes, about 50cm deep and 30cm wide, followed by careful removal of the plants from their nursery plastic pocket and inserting them into the holes. After covering the roots with soil it was necessary to make the surface firm to close air pockets in order to retain moisture.

Following this, dry grass was spread around the plants for mulching purposes. For a change, it was nice to see ambassadors’ hands looking brown instead of white.

The ambassadors got a little bit of a surprise from the Hlokomela HIV/Aids counsellors when they were persuaded to take an HIV test. Being leaders, the ambassadors complied with the request.
The test was public, while the results were delivered confidentially.

The ambassadors had such fun that they asked the project director, Christine du Prez, if they could return to play with and educate the children.

You made us proud ambassadors, and your selfless behaviour graced the day. What a day of fun!