The Worldview Institute has launched a programme to plant 1000 trees in 20 schools in Chongwe under the Shanga Initiative.

The Initiative is aimed at encouraging young people to participate in the conservation of the environment through planting of trees.

Chongwe District Commissioner Evans Lupiya who was on hand to receive the trees commended the organisation for supplementing government efforts in teaching children the significance of conserving the environment through tree planting at their schools and in their respective communities.

Dr. Lupiya stated that the Initiative is a demonstration of the collective efforts being made by various stakeholders to partner with the government towards environmental conservation and sustainability.

He said the donation of trees to the schools is timely as it has come at a time when the district like many other parts of the country is grappling with effects of drought which can be prevented by planting trees.

“As you can all see, most crops in the district have dried up and the temperatures are very high. This is due to climate change. Let us all plant trees and nature them for our own benefit in future,” Dr. Lupiya said.

Dr. Lupiya added that the Initiative also aligns well with government’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and promotes a green conscious nation.

He thanked the Worldview Institute and other stakeholders who are implementing programmes to mitigate the effects of climate change for collaborating with government towards addressing issues of climate change.

Dr. Lupiya further urged learners and teachers at the 20 schools where the trees will be planted to take care of them.

Meanwhile, Worldview Institute Board Chairperson Victor Nyasulu stated that the initiative is a response to President Hakainde Hichilema’s call to various stakeholders to support the government in mitigating the effects of climate change that have impacted negatively on the country.

Mr. Nyasulu said the drought being experienced in the country threatens the foundation of life and needs to be addressed through sustainable Initiatives such as tree planting.

He explained that the Shanga campaign aims to empower school going children as stewards of environmental conservation.

Mr. Nyasulu noted that the initiative will also instill a sense of responsibility and connect youths to nature.

“It’s about teaching them that they have the power to make a difference no matter how small their contribution towards environmental conservation may seem,” Mr. Nyasulu said.

He thanked the Ministry of Education for partnering with the Worldview Institute to implement the initiative in schools across the country.