By Agencies

ENGLAND: Writtle University College in Essex recently  awarded an honorary degree to gardener, horticulturalist and former asylum seeker, Kuda Chimbudzi.

Kuda was honoured at the University College’s graduation ceremony at Chelmsford Cathedral earlier this month. The event celebrated the success of the Class of 2023 and highlighted Kuda’s achievements.

The college’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Middleton, said: “We were delighted to confer honorary awards as part of our graduation ceremony.

“Kuda Chimbudzi is an inspiration to our students and has made incredible contributions to sustainable horticulture.”

On his part, Kuda said; “I love to learn and I have the utmost respect for learning institutions for they have a huge task of arming the leaders of tomorrow with inspirational wisdom, knowledge and a great understanding of life.

“I would like to thank the Vice-Chancellor, the university and the board for recognising my work. Organic growing is safe, sustainable and it makes financial sense.

“There are so many techniques to maximise productivity and to increase produce quality and I think more awareness is needed to reduce soil and water pollution.”

Kuda is an advocate for organic gardening and works to increase sustainable practices in horticulture, whilst producing high-quality produce.

While taking a holiday to visit his sister in the UK, Kuda learnt that he would face arrest if he returned to Zimbabwe, as his trip had not been approved.

After gained asylum in the UK, he pursued his interest in organic food production.

Kuda worked in a series of hands-on gardening roles, and turned to books and educational courses to learn more.

He became the head gardener for the kitchen garden at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground, where he worked closely with the resident chef.

Kuda grew nutritious, seasonal produce that was used to create healthy meals for more than 50 people, including professional footballers.

Kuda now works for Leicester City FC, where he continues to pursue his passion for horticulture.