The Goedgedacht Trust is based on the Goedgedacht farm in Riebeeksrivier, just outside of Malmesbury and 75 km from Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Afrika. In this wine-growing area, many farm workers and their families are trapped in poverty for many generations. The effects of poverty are evident everywhere: poor and overcrowded accommodation, illiteracy, high school drop-out rates, alcoholism, domestic violence, sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, unskilled young people and adults, HIV/AIDS, shockingly high rates of Tuberculosis and some of the highest levels of children born with FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) in the world.
Personal Development – Build resilient and confident young people with strong values and sound self-esteem. Projects are for example holiday programs for youth, Rural Leadership Program, adult workshops, youth involvement in community work.
Care for the Planet – South Africa is heating more rapidly and becoming drier than any other part. Poverty among rural villagers will deepen and it’s going to be a matter of survival. Every rural person needs to know how to grow their own food in order to feed themselves. Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design principles that simulate or directly utilize the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems. A complete range of training courses in this area is offered to the community members.
What to expect as an intern with Goedgedacht?
There are two large gardens on the farm where most of the work takes place. You will work in the garden to familiarize yourself with the work they do. Once you know that and understand permaculture, there is plenty of possibilities to get involved in some of the work that goes on behind the scenes. On the farm also seven hectares of land has been allocated where they grow vegetables, olives and a wide variety of herbs and trees. It is very safe on the farm and incredibly beautiful, if you enjoy sunsets and long mountain walks, connecting with nature, our water comes from deep in the mountain and we have a number of dams that are great for swimming and cooling down after a busy day.
As an intern, you will have plenty of time to interact with the local communities and are sure to get your hands dirty.