No, not really. Actually today we have 5983 reasons so we planted 5,983 trees at Mwatibu Primary School and surrounding villages. As we take action against global warming, we are spending much time planting and caring for trees and the environment.
The rate of deforestation in Malawi is alarming
Although the cause of deforestation worldwide is agriculture, the causes of deforestation in Malawi are related to unemployment, lack of affordable alternative sources of energy, culture, and lack of enforcement against wanton destruction of forests through charcoal burning or brick making.
Goats are also contributing to deforestation
Really? But what damage do goats do?
Well, another often overlooked cause of deforestation is goats, yet these animals are known for causing desertification. Some non-profit organizations, with good intentions have given goats to rural farmers to improve their livelihoods.
Goats symbolize prosperity in most cultures. Unfortunately, these animals have been left by their owners to roam freely, eating up vegetation, destroying gardens and contributing to climate change.
I think the best way to address this challenge is to come up with policy that criminalises free range system of grazing for animals.
How can we control land degradation?
With the support of students, teachers, community leaders and volunteers, we mobilized over 3200 people who planted the trees at the school. We made it more interesting by also donating soccer balls to the school. Surprisingly, the school had no soccer balls or any sporting equipment. Children devise balls from plastic and other waste.
Other environmental issues
We are in the process of negotiating with a potential donor to drill a borehole at this rural facility to enable the children and the local environmental clubs get easy access to water to ensure these precious trees have a constant supply until they deepen their roots. Mwatibu Primary School does not have running water. It is just recently that pit latrines were constructed. It is a rural school in Malawi providing free education to often the poorest of the poor.
A look around the classrooms will show you how determination leads to achievement of goals. With no desks and learning materials, teachers have used initiative and provide education under trees.
Urunji Child-Care Trust seeks to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by providing educational materials and meals at this school. With your support, we plan to build a community library and 2 classroom blocks as well.
