#BeFree gardening project marks first harvest

The #BeFree Gardening Project has reached a significant milestone with its first harvest of corn, spinach and potatoes grown by participants in the #BeFree EcoGreen Club and #BeFree Grow Programme.

The harvest took place on 13 June at a garden hosted by Special Olympics Namibia and was led by young people enrolled in the programme, including young athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The produce will be used to supplement the #BeFree Meals Programme, which provides nutritious meals to young people accessing services and activities at the #BeFree Youth Campus.

Launched in April 2025, the gardening project aims to equip out-of-school and unemployed youth, as well as young people living with intellectual disabilities, with practical horticultural skills. Participants receive training in crop production, soil management, garden maintenance and sustainable farming practices, while gaining hands-on experience in growing food.

The initiative also introduces participants to concepts such as food security, environmental stewardship and agricultural entrepreneurship, helping them explore opportunities within the agricultural sector.

A key objective of the programme is to train 40 young people in horticulture and small-scale farming while establishing a sustainable source of fresh produce for the meals programme.

The project forms part of the wider youth development work of the One Economy Foundation through the #BeFree Youth Campus, which offers services ranging from reproductive health and wellness support to life-skills development, education and entrepreneurship programmes.

Organisers say the gardening project combines skills development with community service, allowing participants to build confidence, gain practical experience and contribute to improving food security for fellow young people.

The first harvest is being viewed as an early indication of the project's potential to create both educational and social benefits within the community.