Living Roots is an indigenous plant nursery in Bowwood Road, Claremont, run by formerly homeless people from U-Turn Homeless Ministries, a non-profit organisation dedicated to rehabilitating and reintegrating the homeless into society.
The nursery was officially opened today with its Family Day Launch event, which invited the public to visit and learn more about the project.
Also read: Living Roots: An indigenous plant nursery run by formerly homeless people
Despite its urban setting, Living Roots offers a peaceful haven for both plants and people. The nursery educates the public about environmental preservation while also providing employment opportunities for U-Turn’s ‘champions,’ individuals nearing the end of their rehabilitation programme.
Living Roots is much more than a plant nursery. It is a social enterprise that aims to restore damaged land while assisting champions in their recovery journey.
Julia September, a conservation horticulturist, pitched the idea to U-Turn, believing that nature has a healing quality. September hopes that the reclaimed land will aid the champions on their road to recovery.
Living Roots is a project that combines environmental and social benefits.
It is helping to build a more sustainable future for both the community and the environment by preserving indigenous plants and providing sheltered employment opportunities.
Living Roots also provides training opportunities such as first-aid courses, health and safety training, and a fynbos course.
It is also raising funds to construct a learning centre where the public can learn about habitat conservation. The company runs the Greening Kits programme, which assists local improvement districts in greening their urban spaces with endemic plants.
Yusuf Mowlana, treasurer of the Claremont Beneficiary Trust, and Councillor Mikhail Manuel, Ward 59 councillor, spoke at today’s launch.
Details:
- Location: Bowwood Road, Claremont
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm
- Contact: 083 331 5754 | livingroots.org.za
- Website: livingroots.co.za
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Picture: Councillor Mikhail Manuel / Facebook
