Malawi: Local girl’s organization in Blantyre under the banner of Flying Girls Malawi will undertake a tree planting programme. The programme is being launched under the theme, My Tree, My Shed on January 17 at Matope Primary School in Ndirande.
The launch will be done with the main goal of encouraging more tree planting as a strategy for reducing carbon dioxide that is also produced by girls because of burning sanitary pads each and every day.
In an interview with the members of the media on Wednesday, the Project Coordinator of My Tree, My Shed, Souvenir Jana said although the project is led by girls, everyone is equally welcome to participate including boys.
“The project will not only involve Flying Girls, but it will also include Matope Primary School learners, people from the society and any other persons who would like to volunteer during the tree planting sessions to give them a chance to learn about the environment,” Jana said.
“On the issue of boys, some of them bully girls on matters concerning menstrual health, these boys lack knowledge on the topic, so involving them in this project together with girls will not only help them learn about tree planting but also menstrual health,” she added.
The Flying Girls Malawi has also partnered with Seoul Enterprise which produces tree seedlings.
In a separate interview, Seoul Enterprise representative, Kamuna Lizakuwa said it is important to teach children the importance of planting and keeping trees while they are young because they will grow with the same attitude towards the environment.
Lizakuwa added that this is not the same with adults as it becomes something new for them to adopt.
“We produce different seedlings for various tree species and we are excited to partner with the Flying Girls Malawi,” Lizakuwa said.
“Unlike adults, a child is easy to teach and learn, so teaching them the importance of these trees at a young age will help them grow with this mindset, they will be able to know the role that the trees play in their livelihood and plant more trees as they grow,” he stated.
Under the My Tree, My Shed initiative, Flying Girls Malawi plans to plant 1000 trees as a solution to a limited number of classrooms in schools, provide a habitat for animals and create a fresh aired atmosphere.