Online Reporter
Bokang Tlou
TOWNSEND High School in Bulawayo is experiencing significant success from its agricultural initiatives, particularly in poultry and gardening projects driven by both pupils and staff.
Under the leadership of headmistress, Mrs Thokozile Tshabalala, deputy headmistress Buitumelo Nare and Agriculture head of department Mr Admore Shumba, the school has transformed a modest project into a sustainable programme that benefits both the school and the surrounding community.
Recently, the school was awarded 200 chicks as part of an agricultural support programme from the country’s largest media group, Zimpapers.
These chicks are being raised using innovative and resourceful methods, including repurposed old desks and tyres that serve as feeding and brooding stations.
Additionally, the school utilises chicken manure to fertilise its flourishing vegetable garden, which currently produces cabbage and carrots.
Plans are also underway to prepare another piece of land for tomato farming, further diversifying their agricultural efforts.
Townsend High, a girls school with boarding facilities has embraced both broiler and layer production.
The layers, which start laying eggs at around 18 weeks, can produce up to 30 eggs a day. With seven active layers, the school collects an average of 24 eggs daily, some of which are used for hostel meals, while others are sold to generate funds, with each crate selling for US$3.
Regular hatching occurs, with up to 20 eggs being incubated each day.
Students are actively engaged in broiler projects, allowing them to witness the birds mature in about six weeks at which point their sex can be identified.
To promote sustainability, the school sets aside chicks for the School Development Committee (SDC), aiding in training and enterprise development.
Agriculture is taught through a hands-on approach over a four-week rotation, with the school currently maintaining 12 crates of eggs as part of their production cycle. The layers are continuously monitored and birds typically lay eggs after two months, contributing up to 48 eggs during their cycle.
In addition to their agricultural initiatives, the school operates three commuter buses and one kombi, which are hired out for school trips and community funerals, generating additional income for the school.
Deputy headmistress, Mrs Nare, praised the students and staff for their dedication to agriculture, stating, “These projects are not only improving nutrition and practical skills, but also encouraging entrepreneurship and responsibility, among learners.”
With their innovative approach and commitment to sustainable practices, Townsend High School is setting a remarkable example of how educational institutions can positively impact their communities through agriculture.
derick.khumalo