Aiden's 3D-Printed Dragons Are Helping Feed a Community in the EC

Photo Credit: Dr Leanne Scott

A teen who sold his 3D-printed dragons at school for three years is now building a soup kitchen garden in the Eastern Cape with the funds he has raised!

Eastern Cape, South Africa (15 July 2026) – Aiden Scott was only 10 years old when he overheard his mom talking about a rural Eastern Cape community that struggles with food insecurity and limited access to resources.

“I remember hearing my mom talk about the challenges the community was facing and how many people didn’t have access to things that we often take for granted. It really stayed with me, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it afterwards,” Aiden recalls. “It made me realise how fortunate I am and how difficult life can be for other people. I didn’t have a lot of money or resources, but I thought that if everyone did a little bit to help, it could make a big difference, and that’s when I started thinking about ideas to help.”

Those thoughts blossomed into Growth Project SA, an initiative through which Aiden began raising money to build a sustainable food garden for the Khula Community Clinic, an NPO that serves the very community his mom had spoken about.

Over the past three years, Aiden has spent school terms fundraising by selling his own 3D-printed creations – articulated dragons and fidget toys – during break times, slowly raising the money needed to help bring the community garden to life.

When he first approached his school with the idea, they got behind him immediately.

“When I first told my principal about my project, she was very supportive and was happy to let me sell my 3D printed products during break time. My teachers also helped me learn how to work with money and give the correct change from my cash box, which was an important skill to learn.”

His classmates quickly became supporters of the project.

“They were always interested to see what new things I was making and selling, and many of them wanted to know more about the project and what I was raising money for. Their support really encouraged me to keep going.”

Three years is a long time for anyone to stay committed to a dream, especially while balancing school, sport and everything else that comes with being a teenager. Aiden says remembering why he started has kept him going.

“There have definitely been times when I’ve been busy with school, exams, sports, and other activities, and it would have been easy to stop. But I always remember why I started the project in the first place and the people it is meant to help.”

“What keeps me motivated is knowing that every item I sell and every bit of support I get brings us one step closer to making the garden a reality. I also have a sense of responsibility because so many people have supported the project, encouraged me and believed in what I’m trying to do. Seeing the project grow over the last three years has been exciting, and it makes me want to keep going until the garden is established and making a difference.”

Today, that dream is well underway. Aiden is spending his school holiday in Khula in the Eastern Cape, working alongside community members to establish the garden at the Khula Community Clinic, an NPO clinic serving families facing poverty and food insecurity.

He’s already made incredible progress. Garden tunnels have been installed, a greenhouse has been built, shaded seedling structures are in place, and the space is steadily taking shape. Once complete, the garden will help supply fresh produce for a soup kitchen supporting patients visiting the clinic.

For Aiden’s mom, Dr Leanne Scott, watching her son stay committed for three years has been an incredibly proud journey.

“When Aiden first came to me with the idea, I was incredibly proud of his compassion to help others. At the same time, I don’t think either of us fully appreciated how much the project would grow over time. I wanted to encourage his sense of responsibility and service and also help him understand that meaningful change takes time, planning, and perseverance.”

She says the experience has reinforced what can happen when children are encouraged to pursue something they care deeply about.

“I believe that, as parents, our role is to support our children, encourage them, and believe the very best of them. Life will undoubtedly bring challenges, disappointments, and situations that are unpredictable, difficult, and often unfair. If we can help our children find a sense of purpose and meaning, they can draw on that strength throughout their lives.”

The response from the Khula community has been overwhelmingly positive and has strengthened everyone’s belief in the project.

“The community is so eager to help establish the garden and maintain the garden, and there is a genuine sense of enthusiasm around the project. What has been particularly inspiring is seeing how the project has sparked conversations about what more can be achieved. The development of a soup kitchen to feed the patients attending the clinic was not part of the original plan but it grew naturally from discussions with the community. The community is in real need of support and we are so excited to work with them to make this something sustainable and meaningful.”

While plenty of hard work has already gone into building the garden, there is still more to do. The next phase includes installing fencing, a JoJo tank and an irrigation system, along with purchasing compost, seedlings, gardening tools and additional greenhouse materials.

“As we prepare for the next phase of development, our biggest needs are financial contributions towards the infrastructure and materials required to establish a sustainable and productive garden,” says Leanne. “While offers of donated products are always appreciated, financial contributions are particularly helpful, as transporting large items to this rural area of the Eastern Cape can be both difficult and costly. Monetary donations allow us to purchase materials locally where possible, and ensure that resources are directed to the areas of greatest need.”

If you’d like to help Aiden grow the project even further, you can support the initiative via this crowdfunding campaign.

For other young South Africans who might be sitting on an idea of their own, Aiden’s message is not to let fear hold you back, because you’re capable of amazing things.

“My advice would be to start small and not be afraid to take the first step. Be curious and ask a lot of questions because it will help you formulate your idea. Never underestimate what a small idea or project can grow into. Don’t doubt yourself and be confident with your ideas, because we are often more capable than we think. Every big project started with a small idea, and you never know what might happen if you are willing to take that first step. When I started this project, I had no idea how much it would grow or how many people would become involved. If you have a goal that you believe in, don’t give up on it. Keep going, even when things take longer than expected or when you face obstacles along the way.”

You can also follow Aiden’s journey on Instagram, where he’s documenting each milestone alongside the community helping bring the project to life.