Project Summary: Describe your contribution in one sentence

COMBINING COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND AQUAPONIC FARMING TO ADDRESS INEQUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOUTH AFRICA.

What are the additional countries or territories of impact?

Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia

Challenge Focus: What topic does your project most directly relate to?

Creating inclusive pathways for people to contribute towards building a sustainable worldCreating structures of support for regenerative solutions to today's climate challenges Turning data and information into stories that spark action around environmental issues

Website URL(s) or social media handles

www.eduponics.co.za https://linktr.ee/eduponics

The Problem: What problem are you helping to solve?

South Africa faces critical challenges in education, food security, and youth development. High inequality, insufficient formal schooling for 60% of black South Africans, and a 50% youth unemployment rate significantly impact poverty levels, especially in Cape Town.

Traditional education, including STEM, often fails to provide inclusive learning experiences for all students, leading to disengagement and low achievement. Limited access to post-school education, training, and job opportunities worsens youth unemployment and poverty.

STEM education is vital for preparing youth for technology-based jobs in the 21st-century economy. However, barriers like resource scarcity, poor infrastructure, and inadequate teacher training disadvantage South African youth in accessing job opportunities and participating in the economy.

Some alarming statistics highlight these issues:

• In 2016, 49% of young people aged 15-35 were unemployed.
• In 2017, South Africa recorded the highest youth unemployment globally.
• 3.4 million young individuals aged 11-24 are not in education, employment, or training.
• In 2016, about 800,000 students took their final exams, only half of those who started school 12 years earlier.
• A survey found that 75% of grade six pupils were functionally illiterate.
• One-third of Western Cape youth under 25 are not in education, employment, or training.

Your connection and commitment: How close are you to the problem and/or the community impacted?

As the founder of Eduponics and a passionate advocate for education and sustainability, I am deeply connected to the problem and the communities impacted by the challenges we face in South Africa. I have personally witnessed the struggles young people in impoverished communities face in accessing quality education, securing employment, and overcoming barriers to success. These experiences have fueled my commitment to developing innovative solutions that address the issues of education, food security, and youth development.

Growing up in South Africa, I was acutely aware of the disparities in education and opportunities between different segments of the population. This understanding led me to explore aquaponics and its potential for creating positive change. Through Eduponics, I have dedicated my time and resources to help young people in low-income communities gain access to relevant, inclusive education, and sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities.

Our team at Eduponics is also deeply committed to the communities we serve. We work directly with local schools, educators, and students to design and implement programs that align with their needs and aspirations. By collaborating with community stakeholders, we ensure that our initiatives are rooted in the realities and experiences of the people we aim to empower.

In addition to our hands-on work in communities, we have forged strong partnerships with various organizations that share our vision and commitment to creating a sustainable future for South Africa. These collaborations have enabled us to access valuable expertise, resources, and networks that support our mission and amplify our impact.

Your approach: How are you enabling other people to identify as green changemakers? How are you influencing them to get involved in your initiative or care about the issue you are addressing?

At Eduponics Go Green, we believe in empowering individuals to become green changemakers by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to make a difference in their communities. Our approach involves engaging educators, students, and parents to foster a deep understanding of environmental sustainability and inspire them to take action.

For educators, we offer comprehensive training in aquaponic farming and provide them with mini aquaponic systems to integrate into their classrooms. This hands-on approach not only equips teachers with the necessary skills but also allows them to pass on their newfound knowledge to their students, cultivating a new generation of green changemakers.

Students are at the heart of our initiative, and we work to inspire and empower them by providing access to an inclusive and relevant education through our Eduponics Go Green project at CAMST. Our collaboration with CANBeat offers an entrepreneurship development program that encourages students to embark on their own entrepreneurial journey in various fields, such as waste management and recycling, nature and biodiversity conservation, food and nutrition, permaculture, aquaponic farming, composting, biochar production, marketing, and multimedia. By giving students the skills and opportunities to create sustainable businesses, we enable them to make a tangible impact on their communities and the environment.

Parents are also key stakeholders in our mission to create green changemakers. By involving them in our initiatives, we foster a supportive environment that encourages sustainable living both at school and at home. This collaborative approach helps to instill a sense of responsibility and commitment to environmental stewardship among families and the wider community.

Community involvement: How is your approach involving community participation, especially the historically marginalized groups?

Our approach actively involves community participation, particularly focusing on historically marginalized groups. We collaborate with local schools, like CAMST, situated in underprivileged areas, to ensure our programs reach those most in need. By integrating our aquaponic farming and green initiatives into the existing curriculum, we aim to create a more inclusive and engaging educational environment.

We prioritize engaging with and empowering marginalized students, educators, and parents by offering practical training and support in aquaponic farming and related green initiatives. Our programs are designed to be accessible and relevant to the communities we work with, taking into account their unique challenges and opportunities.

Furthermore, we partner with various organizations and initiatives that share our vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future, such as the IMVOTO Water Foundation, CASA BIO, Pro Veg South Africa, Waste Ed, and Climate Actions Now, among others. These partnerships enable us to amplify our impact and ensure a holistic approach to community development.

Through our collaboration with the South African National Department of Agriculture and the Western Cape Education Department, we also ensure that our programs align with national and regional priorities for education, food security, and environmental sustainability.

Your Innovation: What is different about your initiative compared to other solutions already out there? How is your approach original and innovative? We are particularly interested in solutions that use regenerative approaches.

Our initiative, Eduponics Go Green, stands out from other solutions due to its unique combination of aquaponic farming, education, entrepreneurship development, and community empowerment. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on singular aspects of sustainability or education, our integrated approach tackles multiple challenges simultaneously, creating a holistic and transformative impact.

What sets Eduponics Go Green apart is our regenerative approach, which not only addresses the immediate needs of communities but also creates long-term, sustainable change. By integrating aquaponics, a closed-loop system that combines hydroponics and aquaculture, we minimize water usage, promote local food production, and reduce the carbon footprint of food supply chains. This regenerative method fosters a healthier ecosystem while empowering communities to become self-sufficient.

Furthermore, our focus on inclusive education helps bridge the gap between marginalized groups and the growing demand for STEM skills. By incorporating elements of the CAPS curriculum and delivering engaging educational experiences through in-person classes, workshops, and online resources, we inspire students and educators to embrace sustainable practices and green technologies.

Our partnership with CAN Beats provides entrepreneurship development opportunities within various sustainability-focused fields. This empowers students to launch their own social enterprises, fostering a new generation of green changemakers who can drive positive change in their communities.

Founding Story: Share a story about the "Aha!" moment that led the founder(s) to get started or the story of how you saw the potential for this to succeed.

Growing up in the Cape Flats, I developed a passion for breeding Malawi cichlids at the age of 12. This hobby turned into a mini-business, teaching me valuable lessons along the way. After graduating with a diploma in Civil Engineering from CPUT, I faced unemployment and started tutoring Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences to make ends meet.

Simultaneously, I began experimenting with my first aquaponic system and noticed striking similarities between aquaponic farming and the school curriculum. Identifying the areas where students struggled, I started developing the concept of Eduponics in 2016.

My "Aha!" moment came when I realized the potential of combining my passion for aquaponics, education, and entrepreneurship to create an innovative solution for South Africa's challenges. Drawing on my experiences growing up in a marginalized community and understanding the educational gaps, I saw an opportunity to empower young people, improve food security, and promote sustainable development through Eduponics.

Impact: How has your project made a difference so far? How is it contributing to a zero-carbon world- where every person thrives, and nobody gets left behind?

Eduponics Go Green has made a significant impact by educating and empowering individuals in marginalized communities. By introducing aquaponic farming, we promote sustainable agriculture that uses fewer resources and produces zero waste. Our system reduces water consumption by up to 90%, contributing to a zero-carbon world.

Our project has gained traction through positive feedback from schools, and we are currently finalizing an MOU with CAMST to host our pilot project. With Phase 3, we aim to upskill educators on aquaponic farming, providing mini aquaponic systems for classroom integration. This will empower teachers and students to actively participate in sustainable development.

Eduponics' approach addresses social, economic, and environmental challenges, ensuring that every person thrives and nobody gets left behind. By providing access to quality STEM education and fostering entrepreneurship, we create opportunities for young people, contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future.

What’s Next: What are your ideas for taking your project to the next level?

Over the next phase of Eduponics Go Green, we plan to refine and scale our pilot project at CAMST, using the valuable learnings and experiences to create a blueprint that can be applied to all 27,000 schools across South Africa. This scalable model aims to impact over 2 million students, their families, and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

By leveraging partnerships, securing funding, and continuously refining our educational content, we will ensure our approach remains relevant and effective. We plan to expand our digital resources, offering more online tools and courses, and create a knowledge-sharing network, connecting educators, students, and communities involved in similar initiatives.

By bringing Eduponics Go Green to a national scale, we will empower a generation of young South Africans to become green changemakers, fostering sustainable development, and contributing to a more resilient and inclusive society. Together, we'll build a brighter, more sustainable future for South Africa.

Your team: What is the current composition of your team (types of roles, qualifications, full-time vs. part-time, board members, etc.), and how do you plan to evolve the team’s composition as the project grows?

Our current team at Eduponics includes:

1. Mikhail Accom - Founder, civil engineering background, aquaponics enthusiast, and experienced tutor.
2. Tumelo Ncube - Technical Founder, skilled in sustainable technology and Eduponics Webapp development.
3. Darron Scorgie - Mentor, sustainability-focused financial expert with 15+ years of experience.

As our project grows, we'll expand the team, adding educators, facilitators, engineers, and permaculture experts. We'll hire from the communities we serve and build relationships with local/international organizations.

We'll establish a diverse board of directors to guide our strategic direction and add full-time staff to manage day-to-day operations, administration, and program management as we scale.

Operational Sustainability Plan: What is this solution’s plan to ensure operational sustainability.

Eduponics Go Green is committed to ensuring operational sustainability through the following strategies:

1. Diversifying revenue streams: By offering various programs and services, such as aquaponic system sales, workshops, and consulting services, we'll create multiple income sources to support the project's financial stability.

2. Developing strategic partnerships: Collaborating with NGOs, educational institutions, and private organizations will help us share resources, knowledge, and expertise while also reducing operational costs.

3. Engaging local communities: By involving community members and hiring from the communities we serve, we'll ensure that our solutions are locally relevant and contribute to community development.

4. Continuous monitoring and evaluation: Regular assessment of our programs and projects will help us identify areas for improvement and ensure that we adapt and evolve to meet changing needs.

5. Scalability and replication: Our pilot project at CAMST will serve as a blueprint for implementing the Eduponics Go Green model in other schools and communities, enabling us to grow our impact across South Africa and beyond.

6. Building capacity and skills development: Investing in expanding our team and upskilling our current team members' professional development will ensure that we have the expertise and skills needed to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

VIDEO: Please share the link to a 1-minute YouTube video that answers the following “I identify as a Green Changemaker because...”. Ensure that your video does not exceed 60 seconds

https://youtu.be/rW3Cgd-Wfj0

Impact Model: While reviewing applications, we identified a need to better understand the impact models for the innovations that applied. How would you describe the activities you engage in and what outcomes and long-term impact do they lead to?

Activating Change

1. Empowering Educators: Through intensive workshops, we've engaged 40 educators, securing commitment from 75%, reflecting our high-impact approach. We bolster their teaching toolkits with cutting-edge aquaponics knowledge, preparing them to ignite curiosity and instill practical skills in 1200 students at CAMST.

2. Engineering Ecosystems: Our market-ready MVP Aquaponics system, set for deployment at CAMST, intertwines sustainable farming with captivating STEM education. This pioneering model presents an interactive learning environment for students, catalyzing meaningful impact on their families and communities.

Pioneering Progress

1. Evolving Education: We're evolving traditional pedagogy, weaving together STEM education with sustainable agriculture. Our work directly addresses nine SDGs and contributes to global climate action plans such as the Paris Agreement and the IPCC's calls for sustainable food systems.

2. Radiating Impact: The transformative knowledge students gain will echo through their communities, potentially benefiting over 4800 individuals indirectly.

Sculpting the Future

1. Catalyzing Transformation: We aim to invigorate South Africa's socio-economic landscape, offering a path to reduce unemployment by equipping the next generation with skills for the thriving green economy.

2. Fostering Resilience: Our initiative underpins a systemic shift from conventional farming practices, combating climate change, improving water management, and enhancing ecological resilience.

3. Influencing Policy: Our success could act as a springboard for integrating nature-based solutions into educational curriculums and national agricultural practices, aligning South Africa with global sustainability commitments.

 

Audience: Who are you most directly impacting through your work? Who is the target beneficiary? Please specify if the population you are reaching is underserved due to any of the following characteristics?

Geography LanguageRaceWork StatusEthnicity Age - Youth Gender Sexual OrientationReligionChronically Ill or Disabled Immigration Status Age - ElderSocio-Economic Class Other (Please Specify)

If you chose the "Other" option, please specify

Education inequality

How are you activating green changemakers?

Engaging emotions: Communicating climate change in a way that resonates with individuals’ specific situations to trigger an emotional engagement Building Understanding: communicating complex science, data and / or systems theory surrounding climate change in an accessible way, tailored to the specific audience and context Making progress visible: identifying tangible metrics that help people understand how their contribution is part of a bigger whole Imagining new possibilities: leading group processes to help people see the possibilities and consequences of acting; innovating new products, business models, or ways of organising Walking alongside individuals: offering one-on-one coaching, mentoring and troubleshooting; providing sustained energy to shift the inertia of the system Helping make the case: helping people to show the business case for emission reduction, find profitable products, innovating new business models Creating a community: bringing together peers to share learnings, reinforce behaviours, and develop positive social norms; hosting gatherings where people see their work as part of a bigger whole Addressing competing demands: helping people meet other needs and priorities to give them the capacity to attend to climate action Creating accountability mechanisms: developing climate pledges and other means of holding individuals, organizations, and collectives accountable Building enabling structures: using contracts, financial mechanisms, and other tools to facilitate and encourage action

If you chose the "Other" option, please specify

 

Organization Type: Which organization type best describes how your work or initiative has been organized or registered?

Hybrid

Tell us briefly about how you have and/ or would like to engage partners or other changemakers to enhance your approach:

Engaging with partners is key to our approach at Eduponics.

• The IMVOTO Water Foundation, who has signed an MOU of support for the project.
• CASA BIO, who will host a nature conservation and biodiversity program at the school.
• Pro Veg South Africa, who will consult on nutrition and plant-based diets for the students.
• Waste Ed, who will host a recycling and waste management program at the school.
• Climate Actions Now, who will host their CAN Beat life-skills and entrepreneurship development program at the school, giving students the opportunity to start their own social enterprise.
• The Provincial Department of Agriculture, who has shown interest in the project and offered support and expertise.
• The Western Cape Education Department, who has offered support to curriculum advisors for the development of the Eduponics integrated curriculum.
• BLASC and Uthando Africa help us develop our curriculum and upskill our students and teachers.
• We're also in the process of formalising our partnerships with NASA Bioscape, SAEON NRF, and GLOBE on environmental education initiatives.

 

Annual budget: Hint: What is the cost for your current operations every year (or most recent year)? This is expenditure for your project or organization. The reference currency is the U.S. dollar.

$50k - $100k

Winning Impact Potential: How would winning the Green Changemakers Challenge impact and leverage your work?

Winning the Green Changemakers Challenge would be a significant milestone for Eduponics, as it would provide us with the necessary resources to execute our Phase 3 and 4 initiatives, and setting the stage for the successful rollout of Phase 5.

1. Phase 3 - Empowering Educators and Students: The funding would enable us to provide 30+ educators with mini aquaponic systems, transforming classrooms into dynamic learning environments. 

2. Phase 4 - Curriculum Development: The funding would support the development of a comprehensive curriculum that integrates aquaponics and environmental stewardship into the CAPS Curriculum framework. This curriculum would serve as a blueprint for other schools and educational institutions, amplifying our impact beyond CAMST.

3. Community Engagement: Winning the challenge would allow us to host workshops and public engagement events, raising awareness about our pilot project at CAMST, sustainability and aquaponics. 

4. Laying the Groundwork for Phase 5: The successful execution of Phases 3 and 4 would set the stage for the rollout of Phase 5, the establishment of a self-sustainable food forest at CAMST, represents our collective vision for a sustainable future and serves as a model for other schools.

5. Long-term Sustainability: The funding would provide us with the financial stability to continue innovating in our approach to environmental education and sustainability.

Skills Matching: If you win, you may have the opportunity to be matched with HSBC employees for skill-based mentorship. If matched, which of the following skills would you be most interested in receiving?

Project Management