Issued by the National Department of Health (Chief Directorate: Communications)
27 October 2005
Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang will be launching the School-Based Gardens Project to promote good nutrition at Makana District near Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape on Saturday 29th October 2005.
The aim of the project is to positively influence communities and children's behaviour with regard to establishing food gardens within their schools to alleviate hunger and fight poverty among school communities. This forms part of government's interdepartmental Health Promoting initiative, which draws the participation of educators, learners, school governing bodies and the broader community.
The project also seeks to improve the health of and promote good nutrition among learners and the whole school community and to encourage community involvement and action around Health Promotion in general. Four schools in the area are already benefiting from the project.
The project has achieved the following:
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang, who will be accompanied by Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela, the provinces MEC's for Health, Education and Agriculture and Makana Executive Mayor Vumile Lwana will lead a 3km health walk before delivering a keynote address for the official launch.
The Media is invited as follows:
Date: 29 October 2005
Time: 10:00 - 14:00
Venue: Joza Township, Grahamstown, Makana District, Eastern Cape
Enquiries: Solly Mabotha (Departmental Spokesperson) @ 083 678 9860