West Coast College and Living Hope - Growing Skills through Collaboration

A key driver for Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) is the collaboration between TVET colleges and organisations from businesses, government and civil society to make sure TVET provision closely matches the needs of the labour market.

West Coast TVET College and Living Hope is an example of how effective collaboration can enhance vocational training. The two entities met each other at the CoVE Skills-Based Education Workshop in March this year, which was held at the Worcester campus of Boland College. Living Hope is a non-profit organization involved in community development, including agriculture and business training.

This collaboration has resulted in two key cooperative activities: a practical excursion for N6 Farming Management and Mechanization students to Living Hope, followed by hands-on training for lecturers.

On 8 May students were exposed to key aspects of crop production, including harvesting, maize production and the hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes and cucumbers on the Living Hope Farm. They also had the opportunity to take part in packhouse operations and assisted with sorting and packing of produce for market distribution. This opportunity provided them with real “World of Work” experiences of both crop production and post-harvest handling processes.   

From 28 July to 1 August, two lecturers visited Living Hope Farm for a practical training visit. They gained practical knowledge and skills in the following areas: seed germination and planting techniques; irrigation methods and management; compost making and management; pruning of tomato, pepper, and cucumber plants; poultry feeding and management; managing the hydroponic tunnel, shade nets as well as other tunnels; and harvesting and packaging and quality grading of vegetables such as spinach and tomatoes.

 “The training provided us with comprehensive exposure to different farming operations, from seed germination through to harvesting and packaging. Overall, it was a great success, and we truly appreciated the openness and warm hospitality of the farm manager, Chantal Liebenberg and all of the Living Hope staff. We look forward to strengthening the relationship between Living hope and West Coast College in the future,” said Lutho Nxusani and Zintle Nomabunga.  

The partnership has also led to unexpected outcomes, as Chantal Liebenberg, the farm manager, stated: “Living Hope will give students from West Coast college the opportunity to complete their 18-month practical training in Farming management, which allows them to submit their diploma application to the education department. We are excited to partner with the college. Should the farm have the means to expand, this will be beneficial to the college and students as we will be able to have a bigger intake of students.”