Students in class eight and grade six at Siyoi primary school in West Pokot County have planted 800 trees to commemorate their time in school and prepare for their upcoming national examinations, which are set to take place next week.
The class eight and grade six pupils, who are set to advance to secondary school in the upcoming year, symbolically commemorated their time in primary school by planting a total of 150 Cyprus trees and 650 croton trees on school grounds.
Ms Josphine Sakura, the head teacher of Siyoi primary school, stated that the tree planting initiative aligns with the government’s objective of planting 15 billion tree seedlings by 2032.
Ms Sakura said that the pupils expressed their satisfaction in contributing to the course and marking a significant milestone in their academic journey by planting trees before their national examinations.
She observed that the candidates planted a tree dubbed the ‘‘Tree of Success and Blessings’’ to commemorate their years in primary school and their preparedness for the national examinations.
Ms. Sakura emphasized that success requires continuous nurturing and efforts, and commended the students for nurturing their own success.
She extended her well wishes to them as they prepare to take their national examinations.
‘‘The school has established a strong foundation for the sustainable achievement of the students, and it is our aspiration that they will excel in their examinations,
She went on: ‘‘tree planting is important, as trees play a vital role in our survival by combating global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide, removing and storing carbon, and releasing oxygen back into the air.’’ MS Sakura said.
Madam Ruth Wachera, the Kapenguria Division Assistant County Commissioner, was thanked for her generous donation of tree seedlings to the school for planting.
She said the donation significantly contribution to reforestation efforts, ecosystem repair, and the restoration of the lost school forest. Additionally, she acknowledged that the donation will aid in the fight against the adverse effects of climate change.
Stephen Onyango an environment teacher at the institution, emphasized the significance of tree planting noting that trees play a crucial role in supplying oxygen, enhancing air quality, fostering biodiversity, and offering essential resources for both human life and the environment.
Mr Onyango stressed the significance of incorporating trees in order to motivate students to engage in tree planting activities noting that their involvement enables them to connect with nature and fosters a lifelong passion and understanding of the importance of environmental conservation.
Additionally, he highlighted that students who have planted trees prior to transitioning to secondary school not only contribute to the community but also leave a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship in the place where they receive their education.
He said trees that were planted are expected to grow and flourish in the upcoming years, transforming the school into a vibrant and lush green environment.
Madam Ruth Wachera, the Assistant County Commissioner of Kapenguria Division, encouraged both students and parents to plant a minimum of 20 trees annually during the onset of shorts rains in November and December.
‘‘I encourage individuals to plant a minimum of 20 trees in schools, communities, and other areas such as watersheds to combat the impact of climate change,’’ ACC Wachera said.
She further stressed the importance of adopting a model where pupils adopt trees and urged the school administrators to guarantee that each student in school will be responsible for nurturing the planted trees to facilitate their growth.
