A new agricultural college, called the Vaardigheidsakker, is being developed on a 330-hectare farm outside Vivo in Limpopo, South Africa. The college aims to provide Afrikaner youth with training in agriculture and various skills within a Christian framework. The project was initially set to launch in 2029 but has made rapid progress, with five students already enrolled for 2027. The college is an expansion of CVO Skool Vivo, with a focus on young people starting their careers in agriculture and skills.
The college's development has been driven by community needs, with Johan Koekemoer, a board member and educator at CVO Skool Vivo, stating that the community identified a need for quality education in Afrikaans. The college will offer students a National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 5 diploma in animal or plant production, as well as practical skills training. Koekemoer emphasized that the college aims to equip students with more than just a qualification, but also with the ability to apply their knowledge practically.
The Vaardigheidsakker will provide students with hands-on experience in agriculture, with a focus on niche farming and high-value crops. The college has already started farming on the property, generating a profit of around R1.5 million this year. The long-term goal is to generate around R5 million per year from the farm, with the profits being reinvested in the college. The farm will also serve as a training ground for students, teaching them innovative and practical farming skills.
In addition to agricultural training, the college will offer various workshops, including a mechanical workshop called Vonk & Vaardig, where students will learn steelwork and mechanical skills. Another workshop, Skep & Skitter, will focus on creative manufacturing and entrepreneurship, teaching students digital marketing and graphic design skills. The college also plans to establish a sports center, providing students with access to sports facilities and promoting physical activity.
The college's approach is centered around a Christian worldview and Calvinistic values, including a sense of calling, work ethic, and perseverance. Koekemoer stated that these values are essential in shaping the character of young Afrikaners and preparing them for leadership roles. The college aims to produce students who are not only skilled but also equipped to take responsibility, build businesses, and contribute to their communities.
The project has already attracted support from local businesses, including Tork Craft, Gasarc Gas & Mining Supplies, Smith Power, and Agri Services. The community aims to raise around R50 million over the next five years to fund the college's development, including accommodation, lecture halls, and further farming projects. Koekemoer emphasized that the project requires support from outside the Vivo community to succeed.
The college's rapid progress has been driven by community enthusiasm and support, with Koekemoer stating that the project has become a tangible reality. The college's focus on practical skills and Christian values sets it apart from other educational institutions, and its development has been welcomed by the local community. As the project continues to grow, it is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of young Afrikaners and the agricultural sector in South Africa.
Key points
- The college aims to provide Afrikaner youth with training in agriculture and various skills within a Christian framework.
- The project has already attracted support from local businesses, including Tork Craft, Gasarc Gas & Mining Supplies, Smith Power, and Agri Services.
- The community aims to raise around R50 million over the next five years to fund the college's development.
