The fastest way to improve the life of someone with HIV AIDS is to provide good, clean and healthy food. Permaculture growing ensures that people are fed organic nutritious food while maintaining or improving the ecological integrity of the region.

In the spring of 2003 five members of SOLID established a small permaculture garden in the township of Evaton West. It provided five families with fresh produce—a simple, easily achieved goal that has had a huge impact. In 2005 we expanded the garden to a 2 hectare, fenced and secured plot with irrigation and secure water rights. Through this project hundreds of families will be provided with fresh produce and dozens of individuals will be trained in food gardening techniques and in how to pass on their skills to others. Over 60 volunteers come on a regular basis to tend the garden, people who are receiving training and nutritional benefits for their families from the healthy food they grow.

Evaton West has a population of 100,000, an unemployment rate of 80 per cent and an HIV infection rate estimated as high as 70 per cent. SOLID is working with the Evaton West Development Forum on prevention and education through sponsorship and support of their women's group, HIV education group, and telecentre.

We hope this project will act as a blue print for other townships outside Johannesburg.
Click here to download streaming video of the creation of the Evaton West Community Garden.

Please mail your donation to :

SOLID
105 Fernwood Road
Salt Spring Island, BC
V8K 1C5
Canada

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