Learners at Fulufhelo Special School in Thohoyandou are putting their skills to work and growing more than plants — they are growing confidence and independence. The school recently received a major boost from the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) with the completion of a greenhouse project designed to support learners with intellectual disabilities.
The project, first identified during the 2025 Back to School Crusade campaign, provides agricultural learning opportunities and practical skills. Under the guidance of Mr Malusele and Ms Managa, learners in the school’s welding class used supplied materials to construct a greenhouse tunnel. The six- to seven-month project showcased the learners’ determination, precision, and teamwork.
On 11 February, MEC Nakedi Kekana visited the school to officially hand over the project. She emphasised the department’s commitment to infrastructure initiatives that improve learning and living conditions for students. “This support included greenhouse construction materials, production inputs, fruit trees, and irrigation equipment,” Kekana said. The department also conducted a workshop for agricultural educators on greenhouse construction.
School principal Mr William Ramaano said the school was thrilled by the department’s support and urged continued investment in projects for learners with intellectual disabilities. “This initiative has given our learners a practical platform to develop skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom,” he said.
Kekana also visited Madzivhandila College of Agriculture, where the department approved the construction and maintenance of a student accommodation block. “The project includes refurbishment of floor tiling, plumbing and sanitation systems, the supply and installation of equipment, as well as painting. While most of the work is progressing well, painting is still underway,” she said.