By Matsobane Manaka and Maite Theka
A new farmers academy opens doors of opportunity to locals.
Community including farmers around Kraantzplaas village came together to celebrate the inauguration of an education institution - Bokamoso Farmers Academy.
Bokamoso, which means 'the future', embodies the spirit of hope, growth and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said Tumelo Mphahlele in a prepared speech read on behalf of Head of Academy.
Mphahlele continued that the momentous occasion of this educational institution is the birth of a transformative force that will shape the future of agriculture and empower the youth in the community. "As we stand on the brink of a new era, envisioning fields teeming with crops and livestock, we also see a future where knowledge and skills become the seeds of prosperity.
"This academy, in partnership with Agriculture, Sector Education Training Authority (AgriSETA) Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), Department of Education, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and our local communities. It is not just a place of learning but a sanctuary for dreams to sprout, take root, and flourish. As we tour the campus today, you will witness not just classrooms and farms, but the fertile ground where aspirations will grow into accomplishments".
Bokamoso Farmers Academy offers curriculum on both animal and crop production. "Bokamoso offers more than just courses and degrees but is committed to the holistic development of our students. It is about nurturing character, instilling resilience, and fostering a deep connection to the land", said Mphahlele.
The academy is accredited by an array of educational and training bodies including Quality Council for Traders and Occupations (QCTO), AGRISETA, BANKSETA and Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP-SETA).
The academy will benefit the community and farmers around the villages of Kraantzplaas.
Applications for 2024 cohort is still open. The academy targets primarily local community particularly young people, women, and elders.
"Our vision extends beyond the confines of these walls. We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, not only in the lives of our students but in the broader community. Through education, we seek to break the chains of limited opportunities, sowing the seeds of empowerment that will yield a harvest of prosperity for generations to come.
"As we walk through the farmsteads and classrooms, I encourage you to see more than structures and fields. See promise of a brighter tomorrow, witness the dedication of our faculty, and feel the palpable enthusiasm of our students – the future stewards of our agricultural landscape.
"As we embark on this journey, let us remember that education is not just about acquiring knowledge - it is about sharing it, cultivating it, and watching it blossom. Bokamoso Farmers Academy is not merely an institution, it is a testament to the power of education to transform lives and communities", Mphahlele concluded.
