PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Raphaeli Waldorf School in Plettenberg Bay has partnered with youth employment NGO Grow Learn Earn (GLE) to introduce a year-long internship programme supporting both classroom learning and the development of a productive school food garden.

The partnership places young people from the neighbouring Kranshoek commu-nity into two focus areas at the school: teaching assistance, and gardening and estate management.

The aim is to provide hands-on work experience, practical skills and pathways to employment, while strengthening the school's learning environment.

A key part of the partnership is the development of the school's food garden into a fully functioning market garden supplying the school and generating income through sales to the nursery, staff and food preparation projects. 

Interns are trained in planting, maintenance and estate management, while learners use the garden as a living classroom.

"Agriculture is the mother of all. There isn't one thing that we're using that doesn't come from nature," said garden facilitator Avice, who is leading the training programme.

Principal Wilmie Raphaeli describes the school as a hands-on, nature-based learning environment that prioritises social education and community belonging, particularly in the primary years. Collaboration, practical work and real-life experiences are central to its philosophy.

"Children who feel happy and are part of a community love learning," said Raphaeli.

After relocating to the area, the school identified Kranshoek as its closest neighbour and began seeking ways to build meaningful relationships beyond the school gates. The partnership with GLE emerged from this intention to collaborate practically and share resources.

GLE's internship model
Grow Learn Earn runs a year-long paid internship programme focused on developing young people's 'head, hand and heart' - knowledge, practical skills and emotional maturity. This year, 24 interns were selected from more than 200 applicants.

Interns receive a monthly salary, work with partner organisations and attend bi-weekly workshops on workplace conduct, conflict management, budgeting and financial literacy. Towards the end of the programme, they complete an asset-based community project.

According to GLE, around 70% of last year's interns found employment after completing the programme.

"They know what it's like to show up and have confidence in their skills," said GLE manager Marguerite Bekker.

Strengthening classrooms and growing food
Five teaching assistants are involved this year. One has already been employed by the school, while others rotate between Raphaeli School and Kranshoek Primary. 

The assistants support teachers in small classes, provide additional care and bring linguistic and cultural diversity into a predominantly English-speaking environment.

The school has also introduced structured training for assistants, covering classroom roles, child safety and practical teaching strategies.

Both partners say the collaboration has long-term potential, reflecting a shared belief that education, work and community development are strongest when approached together.

An intern from the Grow Learn Earn programme works in the Rafaeli Waldorf School’s food garden, gaining hands-on agricultural and estate management skills. Photo: Kyla Laing

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