cangro
The Upside-Down Solution to Education, Food Security, Sustainability and Inclusion
The Competition that has Everyone Buzzing!!
Defy expectations. Challenge what you think is possible. What if up is down and down is up? Join learners across the country in the Upside-Down Tomato Challenge and compete to grow the biggest, healthiest upside-down tomato plant. The winner walks away with a PlayStation 5! Sponsored by KOODOO.co.za
Everyone Can!!
Food Security
Sustainability
Inclusion
Environmental Awareness
Our upside down Cangro is jam-packed full of magic ingredients bursting to get out!
Online Entry
Enter the Chaeli Upside Down Challenge, grow the biggest, healthiest, upside-down tomato of them all, and win a PlayStation5
Sponsor a Child
Sponsor a disabled or disadvantaged learner’s entry into Chaeli’s Upside-Down Tomato Challenge.
Corporate Social Investment
Make a difference in your community by sponsoring a class, grade, or school
Join us in planting seeds of hope and harvesting a future where everyone has the agency to learn, have fun and grow
Join us in planting seeds of hope and harvesting a future where everyone has the agency to learn, have fun and grow
Changing disbelief into self-belief!
Our upside down planter has the power to transform a person’s outlook and boost their self-confidence. By defying traditional norms and allowing tomatoes to flourish upside down, it inspires individuals to challenge their limitations and believe in their potential.
Teaching Tool
Endorsed by the Department of Education and The Wits Centre for Entrepreneurial Thinking, our Upside-Down Planter offers a hands-on learning experience in planting, nurturing, and caring for plants. Students explore the essentials of plant growth—sunlight, water, and nutrients—while gaining practical knowledge in horticulture, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Beyond gardening, they develop valuable soft skills such as responsibility, empathy, perseverance, planning, and time management, fostering both personal and academic growth.
Key Impact Areas
Education
Hands-on learning experiences that teach children about plant growth, sustainability, soil health, and food security.
Food Security & Sustainability
Encouraging children to grow their own food while learning about sustainable practices, reducing waste, and making the most of available resources.
Inclusion & Community Building
All children, regardless of background or ability, can participate. Promoting teamwork, self-belief, and environmental responsibility.
★★★★★
“My daughter Zoe was so excited, she could not wait for us to get home to tell us all about it! Awesome project!!”
Glynis Anders De Vos
Parent
★★★★★
“Firstly I would like to say that this is such an awesome project you guys are running. Really inspiring and motivational. My daughter is so committed to this project.”
Juanita Kariem
Parent
★★★★★
“Dear Cangro,
Thank you so much for allowing us this wonderful opportunity. We often spoke amongst ourselves at your great way with the children!
I was so impressed with your love and generosity with our learners. You have a well-coordinated team. Whenever you visited our school you were punctual and listened so patiently to all the stories that the learners had.
We wish you great success with the future and thank you for enlightening us and our learners.
Lots of love “
Eloise
Teacher – Goodwood Park Primary
★★★★★
“Over the past few weeks we have seen first-hand the incredible power of the Cangro project, not only in terms of its impact on local school children but on the local community”
Natalie Dippenaar
Marketing manager – N1 City Mall
FAQ
Why an Upside Down Tomato Competition?
The Upside Down Tomato Competition is a fun and creative way to encourage people to explore unique gardening techniques! Growing tomatoes upside down is not only space-efficient but also promotes healthy plants by preventing diseases and encouraging better air circulation. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and a challenge that can spark the imaginations of both novice and experienced gardeners alike!
When does the competition take place and how long does it run for?
The competition takes place in the 4th term of the school year. It typically lasts for 8 weeks, allowing participants ample time to grow their tomatoes and show off their results. Be sure to check our website and fb page for exact dates and deadlines!
Who determines the overall winner?
uThe winner will be chosen by an independent panel of judges. They will evaluate the tomato plants based on various criteria such as size, health and number of tomatoes. We also encourage a public voting aspect to allow everyone to engage in the process and vote for their favorite entries!
What online support do you offer for participants?
We provide a wealth of resources to support participants throughout the competition. This includes:
- Step-by-step guides and illustration on how to plant and grow tomatoes upside down.
- A dedicated social media hashtag for participants to share their progress and get feedback from the community.
- An FAQ section to answer common questions and troubleshoot problems.
- A support email or online forum where you can ask for advice from our team.
Is there a cost to enter the competition?
Yes, the entry fee is R450 per participant. This includes delivery of your Cangro Upside Down Planting Kit, Supportive Foam, Soil, Instructions, a Face Sticker, and (where logistically possible) a Tomato Seedling – All the essential materials you need to get started will be provided, so you can focus on growing your tomatoes upside down and enjoying the process!
If I sponsor a child, who decides on the recipient?
The recipient of our Sponsor a Child option is determined by the Chaeli Campaign. Our goal is to make the Upside-Down Tomato Challenge a truly inclusive competition, giving children from all backgrounds the opportunity to participate. Through this initiative, we help young learners grow their self-belief, environmental awareness, and sense of community, ensuring that every child has a chance to be part of the experience.
EVERYONE CAN!
Inclusion empowers disabled and disadvantaged learners by giving them equal opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive alongside their peers. When everyone is included, diverse perspectives enrich the learning experience, fostering empathy, innovation, and a sense of belonging. By breaking down barriers and ensuring accessibility, we create a society where every learner has the chance to reach their full potential.