Rising up from the ashes
The unique design of the tunnels creates increased humidity, similar to the effect of a greenhouse, and helps lengthen the traditional growing season for most crops.
Anna, right, founded an organization that aims to provide education and job training to orphans.
OBI recently supplied five tunnels – or shade cloths – complete with 320 sturdy bags to hold a nutrient-rich soil mixture in which to grow a variety of vegetables.
Video: Behind the scenes in South Africa
BUSHBUCK RIDGE, South Africa - A few tunnels and some fresh vegetables is all part of one aid worker's plan to help feed 800 children.
As director of an orphanage in Bushbuck Ridge in South Africa, 76-year-old Anna Themba is linking arms with Operation Blessing to start an innovative garden project in her community.
OBI recently supplied the orphanage with five tunnels – or shade cloths – complete with 320 sturdy bags to hold a nutrient-rich soil mixture in which to grow a variety of vegetables.
The unique design of the tunnels creates increased humidity, similar to the effect of a greenhouse, and helps lengthen the traditional growing season for most crops. The panels also increase the average daily temperature and help protect the crops from the elements such as wind, insects and diseases.
Unlike greenhouses, the tunnels are more energy efficient since they do not require the use of electricity for ventilation and supplemental heat.
"The vegetable tunnels have been a success," said OBI's regional director for Africa. "We have seen a quicker growth cycle."
Already a first crop of spinach has been harvested. Eventually, Themba hopes to grow enough food to not only feed the 800 children living in the orphanage, but also have a surplus to sell at local markets.
Every month, each tunnel is projected to yield about $100 worth of vegetables.
"I want to do something for those suffering around me," Themba said.
Many of the orphans living with Themba have either lost parents to HIV/AIDS or are themselves infected with disease.
Themba's goal in providing good nutrition – such as spinach that has a high iron content – will be an added benefit for those living with HIV/AIDS.
In Bushbuck Ridge, nearly 25 percent of an estimated population of 500,000 is suffering from HIV/AIDS, while those who are not infected live their lives sharing this burden.
In addition to feeding 800 children at the orphanage, Themba also runs Ebenezer Home Based Care, which provides food, supplies and education to more than 3,200 HIV-infected homes each month.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Operation Blessing is helping to transform the futures of children like these by providing clean water, education assistance, nutritional feeding programs, medical care and more.
Please make an online contribution toward OBI's orphan care programs today and help us continue to reach those in need.