Youth Initiative for Community Development in tree planting
A local youth organisation in Dedza district called Youth Initiative for Community Development (YICOD) has urged young people to take the lead in tree planting exercise.
This was said Monday when the organisation led learners at Kalinyeke Primary School in planting 4000 trees.
The organisation aims to instill the current generation an environmental friendly altitude to both learners and out-school youths to grow into adults that will be able to manage the environment cautiously and also embrace change and respond to effects of climate change.
Speaking with the Executive Director of the organisation Andrew Bwanali, the organisation mobilized in and out of school youth to plant 28,000 trees in the district.
He said, young people are energetic and are the key in addressing deforestation.
Engaging them therefore will help contribute towards environmental rehabilitation.
He further bemoaned the pace at which deforestation is continuing and less involvement of young people in environmental restoration initiatives.
The exercise targeted Katsekaminga CDSS 2000, Mchisu 100, Chipalukwa 2000, Dedza RC 300, Dedza LEA 500, Kalinyeke Primary 4000, Kapesi Primary 300, Kasumbu Youth Club 300, Liphuphwe VGA 6000, Tapezana primary 4500, Mua RC Primary 4000 and Ngoni Primary 4000 trees
Considering the rate of deforestation in Dedza which is at about 3.1% it is very much important for the youth to take a leading role in restoring the forests for ecosystem balance.
Bwanali thanked YICOD for their examplary role in achieving environmental sustainability. He also thanked Act Alliance for their commendable assistance in procurement of seedlings which are being planted.
He further urged the schools together with School management committees to take care of the planted trees to ensure higher survival rate said Blessings Chingaipe – Assistant District Forestry Officer
The exercise complements Tree Cover Malawi Project (TCM) which is supported by Act Alliance led by Christian Aid Malawi.
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