Agriculture is by far Mzansi’s biggest sector and it is set to become even bigger as the hemp and cannabis industry expands. To do their part in ensuring that the industry is inclusive, Cheeba Cannabis Academy and Agricolleges International have partnered with Food For Mzansi to offer one lucky student a year-long cannabis production scholarship.
Earlier this year, Africa’s leading cannabis education and training company, Cheeba Cannabis Academy, joined forces with prominent online agricultural college, Agricolleges International, to launch the national certificate in plant production. The online course is accredited with AgriSETA, with teachings around cannabis and hemp forming part of it.
Linda Siboto, Cheeba Cannabis Academy co-founder, says the course took six months to develop. He explains that it is constantly revised, due to the ever-evolving nature of the industry.
“The existing cannabis content we developed with subject matter experts, and we also recreated some of our existing course material.”
Ensuring inclusivity
The continued growth of the industry is great news for Mzansi as a whole. It is of the utmost importance, however, that people from more disadvantaged backgrounds also get the chance to empower themselves through the emerging hemp and cannabis industry.
This is why Cheeba Cannabis Academy and Agricolleges International have partnered with Food For Mzansi to offer one disadvantaged citizen a scholarship to join the next course intake.
“The course will take you through the practical equipment required for the specific type of farming and also the standard operating procedures that are required for compliance purposes,” says Siboto.
He also explains that the course is focused on optimising the commercial value chain, and teaches students about the three subcategories, namely high THC cannabis, CBD hemp farming, and industrial hemp.
To make the best of this scholarship, the applicants should be people who have a passion for growing hemp and cannabis. While the bulk of the one-year course takes place online, with lecture-led Zoom classes, students will get to experience seven days of practical training at a cannabis farm in Gauteng.
A unique opportunity
The scholarship includes the full tuition fee for the course. However, the successful candidate will need to have their own digital device to complete the course as well as adequate data or good connectivity in order to work online and attend one two-hour Zoom lecture per month. The candidate will also be responsible for their own transport, food, and accommodation for the seven-day practical in Gauteng.
“We are proud to have partnered with Food For Mzansi to bring this unique opportunity to our people. There is a lot of buzz about cannabis and it is important that no one is left behind. It is our responsibility to ensure that opportunities are made available for the less fortunate in an attempt to alleviate poverty and drive employment.” says Siboto.
To apply for the scholarship, click here. For more information, contact Agricolleges International on 063 940 0334 or office@agricolleges.com.
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