Today, our organisation had the pleasure of participating in a 'Giving Back to Nature' event, specifically Tree Planting Day. Everyone under the organisation, including children, the Lehikeng board, staff, and volunteers, was engaged in the activity. We had the joy of collaborating with Safari Essence, who led the way to the successful event.
We are thrilled to work together with one of our close partners, Safari Essence, which has supported us in empowering children to become custodians of nature and more.
Quite an interesting, simple yet important activity, it is not just about putting seedlings into the ground, but also about teaching children about the environment, how we impact it, working within the set ecosystem, planting for a sustainable future, and practically applying the theories they learn in school.
A day filled with muddy hands, smiles, and energy to pick up a shovel and start digging. Volunteers, members of Safari Essence, worked closely with us to help children provide a permanent home for our green friends. The children were also supporting the adults.
This activity reinforced the values that we share dearly with Safari Essence regarding our care, support, and growth, instilling a beacon of hope in our children and women in communities, just as trees need agents to help encourage growth within a larger ecosystem.
The activities that were conducted were people finding the perfect spot to dig up, plant a tree, and water it afterward. Connecting with nature and being outdoors.
The enthusiasm we saw today, from a hands-on activity that has a meaningful impact on the kids' lives on a regular basis, allowing them to learn, share ideas, and meet peers, truly warmed our hearts.
As climate change intensifies, it is up to organisations, environmentally conscious individuals, and communities to join forces and work together in preventing the persistence of unpredictable and worsening climate change that affects our livelihoods, animals, and land. Safari Essence and Lehikeng were bold enough to accept this upon themselves and, in the process, engage youth of all ages in planting trees.
Trees are an example of how to stay rooted while soaring to great heights.
Just as everything in the surrounding environment has a purpose and a perfect ecosystem, as demonstrated by nature, which shows how we, as humans, contribute to and interact with it. Trees are part of a larger system that provides various benefits to the environment, as they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, produce oxygen for all living things, provide habitats for some animals, reduce soil erosion, and manage water runoff. The list goes on of how trees assist.
We are not only addressing a small part of the issue above, but also combating desertification in Botswana.
Botswana is a developing country, and deforestation is common in most parts of the country. It is part of their livelihoods, as they need wood for fencing kraals or yards, or for firewood. We all must take accountability and plant a tree. Instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in children creates concussions and teaches peers and future generations.
For every tree cut, plant two more.
The tree planting wasn’t a one-day event; the kids will continue to nurture and care for their adoptive trees. We plan to provide essential education and tools needed by these young stewards of nature, and to learn more lessons from Mother Nature as the journey proceeds.
This is only the beginning of our organisation interacting, supporting, and empowering both our community and the environment. The future looks bright! With such a great head start and marvellous partnership with Safari Essence, we are also hopeful for more collaborations with other organisations in making our community, nation, and the world a better place.
In conclusion, this day was one of those powerful reminders that when we meet with a distinct goal, it is achievable. A day that sparked hope, joy, teamwork, and community. A huge thank you to Safari Essence for their valuable contribution to making a day to be remembered for many years to come.
“Together we can preserve the forest, securing this immense treasure for the future of all our children.”
— Chico Mendes