Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Day I Received My Permaculture Certificate - Class of 2010
(Permaculture certificate presented to me by sangoma Professor Viljoen)
Solomon Mondlane and Mr. Viljoen
Class of 2010
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Permaculture Food Gardens
The Belin Global Ministries’ team in South Africa which is led by Solomon Mondlane has started its campaign to develop food gardens in the communities where most children are starving. The first project is being implemented in Siyabuswa, DR. JS Moroka Municipality with the help of Evangelist Thulane Mahlangu.
Evangelist Thulane Mahlangu is a community leader and a leader of the local African Gospel Church. “We are not just making gardens, but food gardens to help sustain our feeding scheme.” Said Solomon Mondlane.
“Our children must eat healthy and live healthy.” Continued Solomon. Solomon Mondlane is inviting different communities to be engaged in this good initiative.
The gardens are developed proffessionally using a system called permaculture. This is a design system which was used in the good old days. It discourages the use of chemicals; and it is a system that saves a lot of water.
For more information contacts Solomon Mondlane.
Put things in the right place!
Permaculture deals with plants, animals, buildings, and infrastructures such as the supply of water, energy and communications. However, permaculture is not about these elements themselves, but rather about the relationships we can create between them by the way we place them in the landscape.
SOME PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES
Put things in the right place!
Permaculture deals with plants, animals, buildings, and infrastructures such as the supply of water, energy and communications. However, permaculture is not about these elements themselves, but rather about the relationships we can create between them by the way we place them in the landscape.
Planning and design are crucial to permaculture. For example, dams and water tanks should be placed above the house and garden so that gravity, rather than a pump, is used to direct flow. Home windbreaks should be placed so that they protect the home from wind, but do not shade it from winter sun. The garden should be between the house and the chicken pen, so that garden refuse (good chicken food) is collected on the way to the pen, and chicken manure is easily shovelled over the garden.
Each element has many functions.
A dam, for example, can supply water for irrigation and stock, be a fire control, and provide a home for fish and waterfowl. If you choose and position the trees to be planted around the homestead carefully, they can fulfil many functions, e.g. a windbreak, kindling for firewood, nectar and pollen for bees, nitrogen for the soil (leguminous trees), seeds for poultry.
A dam, for example, can supply water for irrigation and stock, be a fire control, and provide a home for fish and waterfowl. If you choose and position the trees to be planted around the homestead carefully, they can fulfil many functions, e.g. a windbreak, kindling for firewood, nectar and pollen for bees, nitrogen for the soil (leguminous trees), seeds for poultry.
Insure yourself.
Basic needs (e.g. water, food, energy, fire protection) should be supported by many elements. Thus a house with a solar hot water system should also have a back-up such as a wood burning geyser.
Basic needs (e.g. water, food, energy, fire protection) should be supported by many elements. Thus a house with a solar hot water system should also have a back-up such as a wood burning geyser.
Make things easy for yourself.
Areas that are visited often, such as the chicken pen and the vegetable garden, should be positioned close to the house. The orchard, stock pens, and sheds, which are not visited so frequently can be placed further from the house.
Areas that are visited often, such as the chicken pen and the vegetable garden, should be positioned close to the house. The orchard, stock pens, and sheds, which are not visited so frequently can be placed further from the house.
Use plants and animals.
Plants and animals can save you energy and do work for you. Chickens, pigs and goats can be `animal tractors'. When enclosed in a weed infested area, they will destroy all vegetation, while turning and manuring the soil. Plants can play an important role in pest control. Marigolds and daisies attract insects which feed on garden pests. Ponds attract insect-eating frogs. Garlic and onion tend to repel many insects. Trees and vines, cleverly placed, can provide shade, windbreaks and firebreaks.
Plants and animals can save you energy and do work for you. Chickens, pigs and goats can be `animal tractors'. When enclosed in a weed infested area, they will destroy all vegetation, while turning and manuring the soil. Plants can play an important role in pest control. Marigolds and daisies attract insects which feed on garden pests. Ponds attract insect-eating frogs. Garlic and onion tend to repel many insects. Trees and vines, cleverly placed, can provide shade, windbreaks and firebreaks.
Nutrient cycling.
Make sure that nutrients do not leave the farm or garden, but are cycled through it. Turn kitchen wastes and animal manure into compost, and leaves and dry grass can be raked around plants to form a mulch.
Make sure that nutrients do not leave the farm or garden, but are cycled through it. Turn kitchen wastes and animal manure into compost, and leaves and dry grass can be raked around plants to form a mulch.
Harvesting water.
South Africa is a dry country, and water is often a limiting resource. Make the most of the water you have by slowing down its flow and spreading it out. This will reduce soil erosion, and give the water a good chance of sinking into the soil where it is available for plants. Swales (similar to contour banks, but higher) are very useful for creating mini dams and allowing water to penetrate the ground.
South Africa is a dry country, and water is often a limiting resource. Make the most of the water you have by slowing down its flow and spreading it out. This will reduce soil erosion, and give the water a good chance of sinking into the soil where it is available for plants. Swales (similar to contour banks, but higher) are very useful for creating mini dams and allowing water to penetrate the ground.
Small-scale, intensive systems.
Cultivate the smallest possible area, and make it as productive as possible - plan for small-scale, energy efficient intensive systems, rather than large-scale, energy consuming extensive systems. Use handtools (handmower, pruning shears, wheelbarrow) on a small site, rather than large harvesters and transport trucks.
Cultivate the smallest possible area, and make it as productive as possible - plan for small-scale, energy efficient intensive systems, rather than large-scale, energy consuming extensive systems. Use handtools (handmower, pruning shears, wheelbarrow) on a small site, rather than large harvesters and transport trucks.
Diversity.
Include many different animals and grow a large variety of plants. However, it is not enough to simply have a range of plants and animals on your farm or in your garden - planning must take account of their functional connections, or the way in which they work together.
Include many different animals and grow a large variety of plants. However, it is not enough to simply have a range of plants and animals on your farm or in your garden - planning must take account of their functional connections, or the way in which they work together.
The advantages of farming with a range of plants and animals include: meeting the nutritional needs of the people living off the farm or garden, a wider range of saleable goods, and reduced pest infestation.
Everything works both ways.
Every resource can be seen as either an advantage or disadvantage, depending how it is used. A prevailing wind coming off the sea may be a disadvantage for growing crops. However, if it is used to power a wind-generator, it can be an advantage.
Every resource can be seen as either an advantage or disadvantage, depending how it is used. A prevailing wind coming off the sea may be a disadvantage for growing crops. However, if it is used to power a wind-generator, it can be an advantage.
Using information, not money.
Rather than relying on money, permaculture relies on information and creativity to increase yields. In addition to making the most of the physical resources in a garden, or on a farm, permaculture requires that we make the most of our ability to find useful information, and adapt it to suit our needs.
Rather than relying on money, permaculture relies on information and creativity to increase yields. In addition to making the most of the physical resources in a garden, or on a farm, permaculture requires that we make the most of our ability to find useful information, and adapt it to suit our needs.
Nokhaya Goes Green
“It is a good thing for us to look after our planet.” Said Nokhaya. Started singing gospel in 2004,. And she has 3 albums under her name.
“I am glad that Food & Trees for Africa has invited me to such a great initiative. These are some of the things we ignore whereas it is important in our lives.” Said Nokhaya.
“I promise to give my best during the event. The people of Tembisa are up for a great perfomance.” Continued Nokhaya.
Wetlands and Forests is the theme for the World Wetlands Day 2011. This year is intended to raise awareness about the ‘big picture’ on forests and wetlands to help develop national and local messages on the theme. It marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Each year since 1997, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Be Part of US this 2011 - Serve & Give
(Rev. Valerie holding one of the babies found in Malerato Centre of Hope)
What a great visit! A group of teenagers from the USA led by Rev. Valerie Toney Parker visited the Malerato Centre of Hope in Mamelodi East, Mamelodi - in Pretoria. What a day! Moreover, it was a holiday, 01 January 2011 and the teenagers engaged themselves in a servolution programme.
Servolution can be fun; servolution can also bring tears. This is what I experienced on the day. Rev. Valerie couldn't hold her tears back as she was holding the little Ofentse around her arms. Precious Mahlangu (Mrs. Mondlane) also shared some tears as she watched little Ofentse in pain.
More teenagers were holding back their tears. This was at Malerato Centre of Hope where 80% of the kids are HIV positive, and some are very sick.
The teenagers from USA and the local team helped out by cleaning the centre; sweeping the yard; scribbing the floors; bathing the kids and washing dishes. It was a day full of activities. Moreover, they donated R600 for painting the buildings.
Servolution can be fun ofcourse. At the end of everything, the teenagers were engaged in some board games with the kids.
(Helping out with some dish washing. Teenagers from USA getting to serve)
WHY SERVE?
We serve others for several simple reasons (By Pastor Rizo Dino of Healing Place Church):
1) Jesus did. Our goal as Christians is to become more like Christ every day. As we study God's Word, we learn about Jesus and the way He lived. Because Jesus loved people, He served them to show them that love (John 13). Our goal is the same, to serve people so they would also come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.
2) The church and its purpose is best expressed outside its walls. We can't sit inside and wait for the world to come to us. We've got to get out in our communities and show people that we care and that there's a God who wants to heal them.
3) It's a tangible expression of the love of God for lost humanity. Words can't always fix our pain. People may know that God loves them, but maybe they haven't ever experienced God's love for them in a practical way. We can be a testimony to others of what God can do in their life!
4) It makes us irresistible to the world. When people see our genuine love for each other and others, they can't help but be drawn to it. Many times, serving can be a way to start conversation with people and give us an opportunity to tell them about the cross.
5) It tears down barriers and opens hearts. A kind word goes a long way. You never know what someone may be going through. Handing them that bottle of water or a hot meal may be just what they need for God to soften their hearts and open their minds to hear about the truth.
(A joint group picture: USA and RSA Servolution team)
WHY SERVE TOGETHER?
We can accomplish so much more for the Kingdom when we work together! Our impact is multiplied. 1 person can only serve so many but if we all work together we can serve tons more!
There is value in shared ideas. In a group setting, we can draw on each other's gifts, talents and creativity to polish the original idea, making it even better and more effective in building God's Kingdom.
Creates momentum and energy to move things forward. There is so much excitement when we all work together, accomplishing a similar goal. God designed us to be part of the body and this is the body at its best! Each part doing it's job and moving forward with passion!
Unity proves the Gospel works. John 17:18-21 says, "Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one-as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. As we work together, we are living out God's Word!
(A dedicated Nkateko from Mamelodi East township. She is one of the few teenagers who visits the centre on daily basis)
(Rev. Valerie bathing little Ofentse)
(USA teenagers ensuring that all the babies at Malerato were bath)
(In loving arms)
Compliments of the new year!!!
For the past 10 years I have been involved in the children’s ministry. I gave hope to 100s of hopeless kids. I provided food; education; clothing; shelter and created a safe place for them to play. And moreover I gave them love in Christ Jesus.
This year; I would like to invite you to be part of “doing good” to the needy kids. By a kind donation of clothes; food; or money. You can also order gospel CDs by Nokhya or by Moruti Shoba and the Simunye Spirit of Praise Band.
Do good this 2011. Your small contribution can make a difference.
God Bless
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