Malawi: Youth Net and Counseling (YONECO) has taken the initiative to educate youngsters about forest restoration and tree planting. The initiative seeks to make the students in Ntcheu aware and responsible for planting more trees and improving the community forest cover
The Executive Director for Youth Net and Counseling (YONECO) Organization, Mcbain Mkandawire, encouraged students in secondary and primary schools to participate actively in forest and land restoration in their communities. The officials have shared that the initiative was hosted at their schools.
Mkandawire urged the students for the same on Tuesday, during a tree planting exercise. The initiative was hosted at Ntcheu secondary school. The initiative was attended by students from the host secondary school and Gumbu Primary School.
He said that it is very important to promote environmental conservation culture among the youth. This will ensure sustainability of land and forest restoration interventions along Mpira catchment area.
The authorities are currrently working with students through their environmental clubs in several schools across the nation, The organization offering the students technical support to help restore Mpira Dam.
“This will be achieved through the establishment of woodlots and orchards at their schools through the theme, “I and my tree, together we grow’” said Mkandawire.
“Our main goal is to promote forest and land restoration in the areas that suffered deforestation and land degradation around Mpira Dam catchment area, with the aim of extending the life of Mpira Dam”. He added.
A student who is learning in Form 3 for Ntcheu Secondary School, Sera Mhango has applauded YONECO for the intervention. He said that the ini will help address the challenges of prolonged droughts that the country is facing due to climate change.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has provided the funding for the initiative. With this support, YONECO is implementing a very crucial forest and land restoration programs in 14 schools, around the Mpira catchment area.