By Blessings Kaunda

The Ebenezer Community Development Organization (ECOD), led by Acting Executive Director Faston Bwanali, has expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic reception of tree-planting initiatives in local communities, including schools.

^{Tree planting exercise at Kawuwa Primary School}

Following tree-planting activities at Kawuwa Primary School, Bwanali highlighted the strong commitment from both communities and schools to address climate change.

He emphasized the importance of collective action in combating environmental challenges.

“We secured 500 tree seedlings, 200 have been planted here at Kawuwa Primary School. The response from both parents and the school was positive,” Bwanali said.

He urged the school to care for the newly planted trees to ensure they serve their environmental purpose. Proper maintenance, he emphasized, is vital for the long-term success of the initiative.

Phillip Chawinga, the School Management Committee chairperson at Kawuwa Primary School, expressed gratitude for the tree seedlings provided by ECOD.

“We are thankful for the seedlings ECOD has delivered. They will replace the trees we once had, and we are committed to ensuring their survival. He assured the community that efforts would be made to nurture the new trees,” Chawinga stated.

Bwanali reiterated the importance of tree planting in schools for rehabilitating barren land.

“Let’s plant trees today so that children can breathe easier tomorrow,” he remarked.

He reaffirmed ECOD’s commitment to working closely with schools to support afforestation efforts.

Towera Mumbo, the head teacher for Kawuwa Primary School, emphasized the critical role trees play in reducing natural disasters and providing timber for the school.

“Trees are vital for protecting schools from natural disasters and will provide valuable timber for the school once matured,” Mumbo said.

Mumbo also noted that the school would organize a meeting with the Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA) to discuss ways of caring for the trees and ensuring community involvement in their upkeep.

Girls planting trees

According to Emily Mhone, the Block Leader at Hilltop, trees serve various purposes, including providing timber and firewood.

She then requested support from well-wishers to help plant more trees at Kawuwa Primary School to replace those that had been cut down.

This tree-planting initiative is part of ECOD’s larger mission to promote environmental conservation while fostering community development and educational growth.