Maseno School was a hive of activity on Friday as Chief Principal Peter Otieno led a large-scale tree-planting drive to mark this year’s Mazingira Day, an event that drew thousands of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff in a spirited show of environmental stewardship.
The exercise, which took place within the school’s sprawling grounds and adjacent community areas, saw the planting of thousands of tree seedlings as part of a campaign aimed at restoring green cover, promoting biodiversity, and instilling a culture of environmental responsibility among young people.
Speaking during the event, Mr Otieno emphasised the critical role of schools in championing environmental conservation. He called on learners to become ambassadors of sustainability in their homes and communities.
“This is more than just planting trees; it’s about planting a future,” said the principal. “We want every student here to understand that protecting the environment is not a one-day event but a lifelong duty. Every seedling planted today represents a promise to safeguard our planet.”
The school’s Environmental Club took the lead in coordinating the day’s activities. Members mobilised volunteers, arranged the distribution of seedlings, and ensured that each planting site was prepared. Students, dressed in green and blue attire symbolising nature and life, worked tirelessly alongside teachers and non-teaching staff, transforming the school compound into a scene of energy and teamwork.
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Mazingira Day, derived from the Swahili word for “environment”, is observed across Kenya every year to raise awareness about environmental protection and the fight against climate change. This year’s theme focused on “Restoring Our Green Heritage,” a message that resonated deeply at Maseno, one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious schools.
Environmental officials from Kisumu County joined the exercise, commending Maseno School for its consistent leadership in conservation efforts. They noted that initiatives like this contribute significantly to Kenya’s goal of increasing forest cover to 30 percent by 2032.
By the end of the day, the school community had planted more than 5,000 tree seedlings, including indigenous species.
Mr Otieno pledged that the school would not stop at planting but would also nurture the seedlings to maturity. Plans are already underway to establish a monitoring program where students will take turns caring for the young trees as part of their environmental studies.
“We want this to be a living classroom,” the principal added. “These trees will remind us daily of our shared responsibility to protect the environment.”
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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