Planting a Giving Tree
Doesn't Favour just put a smile on your face? She was so happy to get a tree and help plant it on Earth Day.
Educating about the environment with our school gardens and planting trees is one of our sustainable programs to break the cycle of poverty and ensure our children's legacy!
We wanted to make the day a celebration for the kids and they had a great time getting their “own” tree and planting it. It also got the kids out of class for a little while, which every kid likes!
On Earth Day 60+ trees were planted at Buwanume School and surrounding homes.
We've planted over 100 trees since the beginning of the year! All thanks to you, our donors.
In a country that has been mostly deforested because people needed wood for building and charcoal for cooking, they are realizing the importance of protecting the environment.
You've heard me talk about always asking “Why?” as we try to get at the root causes of poverty in rural Uganda.
When people rely on subsistence farming, (growing and harvesting their own crops to eat and sell), as they do in rural Uganda, climate change has a huge impact. If there isn't enough food, children have stunted growth and are often sick. Then they can't learn and don't get an education.
In addition to our two school garden projects, we plant trees as often as we can. This is something we've done since our first trip to Uganda many years ago. Those first avocado and banana trees are now full-grown and bearing fruit!
The kids and families had a great time and really appreciated the gift of a tree. The kids love taking care of their trees.
We keep promoting the idea that we are all connected, and every day is Earth Day!
With Gratitude,
Mary
P.S.- A favorite book of mine, and one I always read to my students, is “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. Check it out if you haven't read it. It might make you cry.
