With the growing global warming issues that have greatly contributed to famine and poverty related problems around the globe especially in African countries like Uganda, Speke Uganda Holidays through one of the nature loving guides Robert Matovu, has pioneered a Go Green Tree Planting Campaign that kicked off in July 2016 at Kihihi Primary School, Kanungu District in the South Western Uganda.

This campaign is aimed at teaching the young children about environmental sustainability and conservation, tree planting alternative energy and respect for the earth through engaging them in active participation, which in turn better prepares them for the choices they will make in future.

Deforestation has caused a reduced supply of wood and non-wood Forestry products, reduced Environmental services such as watershed and soil protection, and reduced biodiversity. Due to deforestation there are increased fuel wood costs, both in terms of Money and productive time, wasted in Fuel wood collection.

This Campaign will in the long run motivate the youth especially in rural areas to learn how to develop their own projects which in turn will lead to environmental conservation and sustainability. It involves planting of fruit trees such as mangoes, avocadoes, citrus trees among others with the participation of both the tourists on tour to Kihihi primary school, guides, students of Kihihi Primary school and the teachers / Headmaster.

Each tree planted is named after the guest that is involved in the tree planting campaign at that time, which leaves a mark of remembrance for both the visitors and the beneficiaries. Particular students are selected to take care of each tree that has been planted. This assigned role helps to instill in the young students a sense of responsibility and will in the long run be motivated to do the same in their own homes and communities. Once the fruit trees grow, the school will be able to sell what they have harvested and use the money to develop other projects as the young also learn more a lot from the project especially about environmental conservation.

More so the campaign also encompasses nurturing of the young at Kihihi Primary School by teaching them the basics of good behavior and cleanliness. Most of these children lack some basics like school shoes, school bags and some don’t have proper school uniforms and scholastic materials like books and pens. Matovu Robert, the program coordinator is currently trying to work hand in hand with the school authorities to see how they can help those that can’t afford to buy themselves school requirements through soliciting donations from individuals and organizations that are willing to give a helping hand. Most visitors to Kihihi Primary School love interacting with the students by talking to them, educating them through telling stories and sharing their life experiences with the guests. In this way one is able to identify the hardships and challenges that these young children go through as they grow. Think about the ways each one of us can impact a positive attitude and encouragement to the young who will be the ones to take on the future. We can do that in so many ways, all we have to do is to have a sense of responsibility and heart to give as we share the little we have will the less privileged communities and individuals.

“Let’s go green and make our world a better place for the future generation!”