72 Hour PDC

Wamukelekile (which means welcome in Siswati)!

We welcome anyone with an interest in permaculture and sustainability to join this course! Our permaculture design course (PDC) consists of bi-weekly virtual/ in-person group sessions. People with all levels of experience and backgrounds are welcome.

The course will consist of a total of 20 sessions, of up to 3 hours per session. Sessions take place on Saturdays or Sundays; shared meals will be provided for in person sessions.

Lesson Content will be presented in the form of lecture/presentation, reading/listening, group discussion, challenges & activities, field trips, community service, problem solving using permaculture in real life situations and nature immersion and observation of natural patterns.

For this course reading materials as well as digital copies of certain articles and videos will be provided.

On successful completion of the design course, graduates are accredited by the Permaculture Institute and awarded a
Certificate of Permaculture Design. This certificate will also show the subjects covered. You may drop the course at any time. Students can pay by class for each session they attend or pay in full.

Course Objectives

Objectives of the Course:
This course should supply you with enough information and feedback to:
● Enable you to have a good understanding of basic permaculture systems and principles,
and be able to teach others about them.
● Plan and implement a permaculture system for yourself and others.
● Incorporate relevant permaculture ideals and methods into existing systems
(i.e. home, office, industry, reforestation sites).
● Assess systems for sustainability.
● Develop your research skills in particular products, technologies, or strategies.
● Develop personal interests in various permaculture fields.
● Build community interest in activities that centre on true holistic (not just economic) growth and development.
● Gain insights and knowledge into setting up or assisting with permaculture-related businesses.
● Completing this course also entitles you certification through the Permaculture Institute
to use Permaculture in business and teaching.

Modules

Module 1:
Introduction to Permaculture Principles & literacy
1-1 Ethics
1-2 Natural Systems Design
1-3 Recycling
1-4 Cultivated Ecology

Module 2:
Elements of permaculture design
2-1 Soils
2-2 Water
2-3 Forests
2-4 Buildings
2-5 Aquaculture
2-6 Wildlife Biology

Module 3:
Designing
3-1 Village
3-2 Patterns in Design
3-3 Catastrophe
3-4 Supplies
3-5 Appropriate Energy Conserving Technology
3-6 Classical Landscape Profiles
3-7 Community
3-8 Trainee
3-9 Final

"Nature depends on nature for its needs not on human beings"