Nuhu Abdul Omollo the Patron-Plant Tree for Better Environment Kenya CBO has urged learners reporting for a new term to consider carrying at least a seedling to plant in their school compound.
Nuhu, who helped plant over 250 tree seedlings in Ngoche comprehensive school donated by the CBO, said the initiative will increase tree cover in Homabay County, considered a far cry from the 10 percent target.
“Back to school with a seedling will help the government meet the 10 billion trees by 2032,” he said.
He said back to school with a seedling, an initiative of the CBO that aims at educating the public and schools on environmental issues, saying the programme calls on students to carry a seedling to school for planting every term when schools reopen.
Mr Nuhu Omollo Masoud who is also a holder of the head of state commendation was awarded over his efforts to conserve the environment through donation of free seedlings to schools and other institutions both government and private entities. They called on leaders in whatever level they are in the country to go back to their primary schools, secondary schools or colleges and help to plant trees there
He said this effort, however small it is, will go a long way to complement the government’s effort to improve tree cover in the country and eventually mitigate the effects of climate change, such as adverse weather conditions.
Through the CBO—Plant Tree Kenya for a Better Environment—Mr. Omollo aims to sensitize the public on the importance of individual efforts towards solving national problems
He encouraged individuals, in collaboration with learning institutions, to take the tree planting initiative seriously.
Other initiatives Mr. Omollo proposed to increase tree cover is for the schools to begin a programme to plant trees during sporting events.
He said students from visiting schools can plant at least one seedling in the host school every time there is an event.
The leader said schools can also set aside an environment day to plant trees in the nearest forests, along roads or in any selected institutions.
Madam Dola Anyango Kute, the head teacher of Ngoche comprehensive school thanked Plant tree Kenya for Better Environment CBO for helping the school plant tree in their compound
“As we know, the government is also keen on encouraging schools to plant trees in their compound to change the environment,” she said.
Madam Kute said global warming has been causing disruptive weather patterns, saying, “We know as we plant trees, we will ensure that the environment is conducive for our survival.”
She called for more environment stakeholders to come in and help the school plant more trees, as a larger chunk of the compound is still bare of trees.
“As a school, we are going to ensure the seedlings planted today are nurtured well every day to continue growing well,” the head teacher said.
By Moseti Julius
