Building human and social capital is just as necessary as physical infrastructure, if communities are to flourish, according to Cohen. Blacks and whites in South Africa are just beginning to discover the depth of the separation caused by the apartheid era, he said. Building relationships based on trust and cooperation requires large investments in time and resources. Once established, however, these relationships provide the "community glue" that is required for new social systems to form. Confidence-building also is necessary. The TDP holds many workshops, like the Women's Day celebration (above), that are designed to encourage self reliance.

Hear Lucky Moatshe discuss Women's Day and the problems of farm women (Singing by students at Tshedimosong Farm School) [Transcript]

Hear Lucky Moatshe discuss permaculture and education [Transcript]

Lucky Moatshe (left, at chalkboard) is one of four permaculture educators at the Tshedimosong ("Place of Enlightenment" in Tswana) Farm School. Tshedimosong is located on TDP's property, and is struggling to survive. It and other farm schools in South Africa are at risk of being closed due to inadequate resources. TDP plans to upgrade the rural school curriculum by introducing participatory permaculture design classes. Education departments in neighboring countries have already introduced active pilot permaculture programs to their schools, encouraging citizens to revitalize rural communities.

Many of Tshedimosong's 300 students walk up to 20 kilometers to attend school every day (left).

Hear Paul Cohen discuss the importance of human capital [Transcript]

Students gather to sing and pray before classes begin.