A youth-led environmental organization, Our Pride Youth Association (OPYA), has officially launched the Western Kenya Green Initiative by planting 500 grafted tree seedlings at Ebwali Secondary School, Vihiga County.
The exercise brought together 25 OPYA members, teachers, and more than 300 students in a campaign aimed at promoting environmental conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods through tree growing.
Speaking during the launch, OPYA Director for Climate Change and Chairperson for Climate Action, Papa Ondwasi, said the initiative seeks to empower communities by combining environmental conservation with economic opportunities.
He noted that grafted fruit trees not only contribute to restoring the environment but also enhance food security and provide income-generating opportunities for households and learning institutions.
“We believe that climate action should also create opportunities for communities. Grafted fruit trees provide environmental conservation, improve food security, and offer economic value to families and institutions,” said Ondwasi.
He encouraged young people to actively participate in environmental conservation, adding that they have a critical role to play in combating climate change while building sustainable enterprises through tree growing and agribusiness.
The event was attended by OPYA Secretary Amule Livingstone, Head of Communications Josephat Olonyi, members of the association, teachers, and students of Ebwali Secondary School, who participated in planting the seedlings across the school compound.
The exercise marked the beginning of OPYA’s long-term environmental programme that aims to increase tree cover across Western Kenya while promoting climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and green entrepreneurship among young people.
Through the initiative, the association plans to work with schools, community groups, and other stakeholders to expand tree planting efforts, improve food security, and strengthen community resilience against the effects of climate change.
The organization expressed its commitment to making environmental conservation a community-driven movement by encouraging more youth to become champions of climate action and sustainable development.
By Kelly Barasa
