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Training
In South Africa a large percent of the population are living
in relatively poor conditions, where they own small pieces
of land on which they carry out small-scale farming and micro-enterprises
for survival. Apart from this, they may own very few or no
other resources. Ecosystems recognizes that a large part of
our society faces numerous socio-economic problems, the main
one being unemployment. We are therefore exploring strategies
to develop economically viable and sustainable enterprises,
based on experience and a understanding of how resources in
general, and household resources in particular, are managed,
and the gender dynamics involved.
Our training programmes provide outcomes based training in
a diversity of alternative income generating activities (IGA’s).
Evaluation of our training programmes also provides baseline data for policy and program
planning, particularly during this period of social transformation
in South Africa, when the inequalities of the past are being
addressed, so that resources can be equitably redistributed
Several training needs have been identified so far :- eco-tourism
and associated micro-enterprises, recycling, arts and crafts
using alien vegetation and recycled materials, fish farming,
household and community vegetable and muthi gardens based
on permaculture principles.
Approach to
Training
Success of individuals and
community development initiatives in addressing poverty hinges
around the approach used in any intervention strategy.
The approach used by Ecosystems recognises the following key
elements:
- Community involvement in
the conception and initiation of any intervention.
- Holistic approach involving
integration of activities often seen as separate in
conventional approaches.
- Sufficient, contextual and
rigorous training and mentoring.
- Partnerships and networking
with the private sector and government agencies.
Methodologies
The approach Ecosysems uses
for training is a combination of practical hands-on activities
and theoretical input in the form of lectures and assignments.
We apply the socially critical model of education where
learners are not treated as 'empty vessels' to be filled with
knowledge as happens in behaviorist approaches to education.
Rather learners are recognized as having existing knowledge
and experience which impact on the learning environment. This
knowledge and experience of the learner is used in the
learning situation to enhance the learning experience during
which the learner is not a passive recipient of information
but rather an active co-learner with the trainers.
In order to make the training
even more relevant to the learners' individual situations,
each course ends with an assignment directly related to the
learners' context. This will ensure that the training is not
only contextualized but that the training also empowers the
trainees to take the first steps in their relevant fields.
Ecosystems will also
tailor-make a training course to suite the needs of its
clients.
Many of our training programmes are followed up with
mentoring programmes. Thus Ecosystems staff will visit the
trainees at their home communities or projects at specific
intervals and provide advice and support. This ensures that
the training is properly contextualized and that the trainees
are able to apply their skills effectively.
Vision
Through our training programs we hope to empower communities
of dynamic, innovative groups of women and men who work together
to make development a truly empowering, gender balanced and transformative
process . We work with people from the grassroots
level through to major policy making committees
and ultimately aim to develop sustainable communities.
Training
Courses Offered
The courses listed below are conducted over a six week
period. In this time students are exposed to all aspects of
agriculture and conservation opportunities. Only then so they
select the activity which they will pursue. All courses also
include life skills, business skills and communication skills.
On successfully completing the training the student will
receive a Technikon of Natal attendance certificate, which
will have an academic value of thirty (30) credits, which can
then be used to acquire a NQF certificate once they acquire
one hundred and twenty (120) credits.
We are presently applying for accreditation with the
Primary Agricultural Seta (PAETA).
Entrance levels can be from illiterate stage, NQF 2 (grade
9) to NQF 5 (grade 12). Students could eventually develop from
grade nine to matric doing agricultural subjects.
- Sustainable
Food production
- Organic Agriculture;
- Permaculture;
- Organic Hydroponics;
- Water Harvesting and Conservation;
- Sustainable Livestock Production;
- Sustainable Bee Keeping;
- Fish Farming;
- Traditional Plant and Muthi Production;
- Community Nursery Establishment & Propagation;
- Broiler Production;
- Free Range Egg Production (using traditional fowls);
- Guinea Fowl Production;
- Sustainable Irrigation;
- Alternative Energy Sources.
- Health
- Food Processing;
- Traditional Plant and Muthi Production and uses;
- Food Processing and Preserving;
- Skills
- Basic Business Skills;
- Basic Book Keeping;
- Basic Office Administration.
- Waste
Management
- Integrated Waste Management;
- Waste as a Business Opportunity;
- Integrating Waste Into Food Production;
- Alternative Uses for Waste;
- Crafts from Waste.
- Micro
Enterprises
- Block Making;
- Rustic Furniture and Jungle Gym Production.
- Horticulture
- Garden Maintenance;
- Alien Weed Eradication and Management;
- Safe Use of Chemicals
- Forestry
- Harvesting;
- Siviculture Practices;
- Safe Use of Chemicals;
- Safety At the Work Place.
- Mechanical
- Chain Saw Operator;
- Advanced Arborist Training;
- Brush Cutter Operator;
- Lawn Mower Operator;
- Small Plant Repairs and Maintenance.
- Crafts
- Crafts From Waste;
- Grass Blind Making Using a Loom;
- Bone/Horn and Soap Stone Carving.
- Ecotourism
- Lodge Management;
- Lodge Maintenance;
- Field Guide Development.
- Road Safety
- Child in Traffic Programme
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