2022 was a busy year for the AWCF education team – delivering environmental workshops and hosting field trips – and the impact is already being felt in schools who are implementing their knowledge independently of our education officers.
This is the story of three exceptional schools.
Chigalo Primary School and their indigenous fruit tree orchard
Students at Chigalo began the year with visits to their local forest to gather indigenous fruit tree seeds. The seeds were planted in recycled containers which they collected from the surrounding area, cleverly reducing the levels of littering and putting discarded bottles to a good use.
Earlier this year once the seedlings had sprouted, they were transplanted into the school garden. Students and teachers nurtured the young trees through tough conditions and the dry spells that are common in the lowveld. They are now well established, and the pupils are proud of their orchard and excited to see it flourish and grow with them!
Their head teacher is incredibly proud of the achievements of the pupils and told us: “we have a strong team of passionate young learners who are willing to see this project through. The indigenous fruit orchard will be used for scientific research and discovery by learners and teachers!”
Chikonwe Primay School and their tree legacy project
In the second term of school this year, the AWCF education team focused on teaching the pupils at Chikonwe about flora and fauna, leading them in inspiring fieldtrips into their local wildlife areas. After this, the pupils planted over 60 trees at their school!
Their teacher, Mr Ruwanza explains the motivation behind their actions: “our learners are now highly motivated to plant more trees because they now understand the role trees play in ecosystems and how they help to mitigate climate change. Planting trees is the greatest legacy our learners and teachers will leave at this school.”
Chitepo Primary School and their shady tree project
Over the years the land surrounding Chitepo has been extensively cleared by the locals and there is little shade to protect them from the sun. The students wanted to reintroduce the biodiversity that once existed and make their school a greener place to learn – and so they have planted over 80 trees!
Their teacher, Mr Chinyimbana explains, “trees are important because they clean the air we breathe, purify the water we drink and protect the soil from erosion.”
These three schools are doing exceptionally well in their conservation efforts, but their hard work continues, with the ongoing challenge of protecting their trees from domestic animals which freely roam around their schools. With the help of teachers, their peers and local community the AWCF continues to support the children to be the change they wish to see in their planet.
Our Education Officers are also onto their next amazing project of working with key schools to reintroduce trees which are almost becoming extinct in local areas!
You can keep up to date with all of our work and the achievements of the children at our schools by signing up to our newsletter!
Email: daisy@africanwildlifeconservationfund.org to join.
