Greening schools project

 

Nyasemi Self Help Group is a self help group based in Nyamira County-Kenya. The group runs a Green Schools Program (GSP): This is an environmental program that was designed by Nyasemi Self Help Group as a means of conserving our environment with particular emphasis to schools and the communities around them. This program has among its components, issues that address health, water and sanitation, environmental awareness, tree planting with particular emphasis to multipurpose trees and species especially fruit trees for nutrition in schools. 

Vision: To create 'green consciousness' and awareness empowering the younger generation for being actors of environmental conservation & protection by providing them an opportunity to actively participate in raising of tree seedlings & tree planting. 

Mission: The mission of "Green Schools Project" is to create green consciousness among school going children through a mind-set change by involving them in seedlings production and plantation. Environmental conservation 

Challenge 

Due to limited funds for public schools in Kenya, majority of these schools have no funds to cater for tree planting in their own compounds. This tremendously exposes students to high temperatures during the dry season which makes it uncomfortable for them to study. As well during the rainy seasons, these schools are exposed to heavy storms which can blow down school buildings, which poses a risk to the lives of students Solution 

By massively planting trees in public schools, the following will be achieved: - 1. School Tree Planting projects help connects students to the benefits of trees and fosters environmental stewardship. 2. Trees help moderate temperature and muffle noise. 3. Environmental benefits such as clean air and water. 4. They even help improve air quality by absorbing some airborne compounds that could be harmful to us, and by giving off oxygen. 

Long-Term Impact 

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: The Green Schools Project (GSP) Tree Planting projects help connect students to the benefits of trees and foster environmental stewardship. Tree planting is a great way to increase student interest in their local environment and achieve academic goals. Each school tree planting provides educators with the opportunity to inspire school administrators, faculty and students to affect positive change at their schools and, in turn, their communities. 

This project is supported by the Maecenata Foundation, Munich/Berlin: