Masithuthu Garden

What does Masithuthukisane mean?  

“Masithuthukisane” (pronounced massy-too-too-kiss-ah-nee) is a Zulu word which means “building community by developing friendships”.  It is also the name of a community organization in Pinetree, South Africa that helps the local population learn how to grow food organically on church land with practical, hands-on support and guidance.  Our school, parish and the Diocese of Pinetree partnered and supported one another while their program developed from 2015-2020.

Our Masithuthu Garden, pronounced massy-too-too, (we just shortened the word...) grew out of our response to that 3-way parnership as we tried to live Jesus' call to be just stewards in our Common Home, and of supporting the needs of our own community - especially in light of the Pope Francis' groundbreaking encyclical, Laudato Si.   

Similar to what they do in Pinetree, our students grow potatoes in an organic manner and donate the produce to various local soup kitchens and food banks. Students from PreSchool to Gr 7 plant potatoes in the spring.  The plants are cared for over the summer by some elementary and high school students, parents, parishioners, deacons and priests - and bishops too!   Students harvest the potatoes early in September.  We then distribute the potatoes to the Cathedral's Soup Kitchen, St Vincent de Paul's Social Concerns Office, and to Camosun College and UVic's Student Foodbanks.

This marks the 10th year that we have grown potatoes, and have donated over 15, 500 lbs tons of potatoes.

Regardless of the languages being spoken, caring for and supporting all members of our community really is a win-win opportunity!