
During the nationwide lockdown in 2020 due to the coronavirus, many people lacked not only money for basic foodstuffs, but also an awareness of the importance of basic food growing skills. Numerous small gardening projects were set up in the township, initiated by aid organisations and the population themselves, in order to at least partially supply the people themselves. Basic agricultural techniques are also taught on a small scale at ODEC and form part of the curriculum. ODEC runs its own compost, raised beds and a hydroponic system, the harvest of which is used to prepare meals in the kitchen.
In addition, ODEC offers educational courses on environmental and sustainability topics as part of the curriculum. These include the avoidance of plastic in everyday life, recycling and upcycling as well as the effects of climate change in order to raise learners’ awareness of their environment and the importance of sustainable behaviour.