Planting Seeds of Change: Labantwana Creche and Crystal Springs Collaboration
By Lalia Acutt
At Planet Savers, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to build a brighter future, especially our children, who carry the promise of tomorrow. Through partnerships and community-driven projects, we work to create opportunities for education, sustainability, and empowerment. Our recent visit to Labantwana Creche and Crystal Springs reflects this mission made possible through collaboration and shared commitment.
On Thursday, November 28th, Thobani and I, supported by our partners at Piggly Wiggly, visited Labantwana Creche to create a veggie garden that would serve as both a practical resource and an educational tool for the children. We began by weeding the allocated area and planting a variety of vegetables, including butternut, spinach, cabbage, beetroot, and watermelon seedlings. To protect the garden naturally, we planted marigolds among the vegetables to deter insects and added Tulbaghia Violacea to ward off snakes, ensuring the space is safe and sustainable.
In addition to the garden, we wanted to make the day memorable for the children. We prepared snack packs, purchased Christmas gifts, and handed out bottles of juice donated by Dynamic Brands. Their generosity added an extra layer of joy to the festivities, and the children’s excitement was genuinely heartwarming.
Our efforts didn’t stop at Labantwana. Later that day, we visited Crystal Springs to deliver more seedlings for their garden. While the busy end-of-year period limited our time with them, this handover was a vital first step in building a lasting partnership. We’re already planning to return in the new year to organize conservation talks for the children and source books to enrich their library. These ongoing efforts are part of our commitment to fostering long-term change and growth.
We’re also thrilled to have the enthusiastic support of Mr. Maphumulo from Crystal Springs, who is eager to collaborate with Planet Savers. His optimism and commitment to this initiative highlight the importance of community partnerships in driving meaningful change.
These projects wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable contributions of our partners and volunteers. A heartfelt thank you goes to Piggly Wiggly for their support, Dynamic Brands for generously donating juice for the children, and all the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort. Together, we made the day a success and enriched the lives of others, demonstrating the power of collective action.
As we look ahead to 2024, we’re inspired to continue planting seeds of hope—both in the ground and in the hearts of the communities we serve. Each step brings us closer to a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.