"Restoring Green Spaces" Initiative Plants Trees in Zomba Schools
Dominic Nyasulu, a forest assistant for Zomba urban, said the city plans to plant 250,000 trees, while the Zomba district aims for 3 million trees.
ZOMBA, Malawi— The community organization Goal for Life has introduced a "50 Trees" initiative to help restore the environment at primary schools around the city of Zomba, Malawi, writes Peter Davieson.
At the launch event, Deputy Mayor and Councilor Munira Bakali emphasized the need for collaborative community efforts to care for newly planted trees.
"When it comes to tree planting and care, it is not a one person job," Bakali said.
"I encourage the head teacher to involve students by giving each a tree to care for so that everyone will see their tree grow."
Goal for Life Director Jimmyrie Jabes said the initiative aims to give students practical knowledge about caring for trees.
"We chose to start in primary schools because most learners only have theoretical minds about tree care," Jabes said.
"Giving them a chance to plant and nurture trees will give them practical experience."
Jabes said the organization has agreed with school committees to supervise the trees and ensure proper care.
"I assure all urban primary schools that they should embrace this initiative," he said.
Dominic Nyasulu, a forest assistant for Zomba urban, said the city plans to plant 250,000 trees, while the Zomba district aims for 3 million trees.
Other organizations attending the launch included the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi, YONECO, the Center for Education Promotion Advancement of the Rights of Adolescent Mothers, mother groups and school committees.
"Tree care needs community collaboration," says Deputy Mayor Bakali.