VoNat Launches Green School Kids Initiative

Voice of Nature (VoNat) has launched an initiative aimed at educating and engaging students and pupils in preferring solutions to the increasing global environmental challenges in their schools and communities dubbed the “Green School Kids Initiative”. This Initiative was launched June 5, 2021 as part of commemorative activities to mark this year’s edition of World Environment Day at Government Primary School (G.S.) Ndongo-Buea, South West Cameroon in an event that brought together the staff and pupils of the school, the VoNat team, and Victory Foundation for Community Development and Environmental Sustainability (VIFODES).

Celebrated under the theme: Restoring Ecosystems, VoNat used the Day to educate over 70 kids in and around the Ndongo community on different ecosystems, conservation importance, and actions the youngsters can take to contribute to the restoration of these ecosystems for environmental sustainability.

The future conservation ambassadors were also taken through an experiential lesson on tree planting techniques, importance and sustainable management measures. “Trees are of great importance. They provide us with oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil and give life to the world’s wildlife. They also provide us with food and shelter amongst other. Because of these and the vital role they play in restoring the ecosystem, we need to shun deforestation and practice the habit of planting more for posterity,” VoNat’s Environmental Education Assistant, Nfor Irene explained.

This lesson culminated in the planting of different tree species in the school campus including Jack Fruit ( Artocarous Heterophyllus) commonly known as Mbele, Soursop (Annona Muricata. L) and Luciana ( Actostapphylos Luciana).  These species according to Madam Nfor are very important in fighting against climate change, air pollution, and in beautifying the school environment amongst others.

The tree planting exercise was greeted with lots of joy by the community kids.  “I thank you VoNat for the trees you have planted in our school. It is going to help us in the future; plants serve as food and provide the oxygen we breathe in,” said Awu Laurene, Sanitation Prefect, G. S. Ndongo. Akam Wisdom was particularly happy to have participated in the tree planting exercise. “I feel good planting trees because it is part of building my agricultural skills. I want to tell you thank you and keep up the good job,” he said.

To the Head Mistress of the School, Madam Manga Victorine Bissong said it was a dream come true. “I am very happy for the planting of trees in our school environment. It will help as shelter in our school and these kids will remember that a group called VoNat came to the school and planted trees on this day June 5, 2021. We are happy for this gesture that’s why we opened our doors for you. We pray that you keep up with the good works and endeavor to do same in other schools,” said the G.S. Ndongo boss.

The 2021 edition of World Environment Day marks the beginning of the UN decade on ecosystems restoration which is aimed at preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It also seeks to help put an end to poverty, combat climate change and prevent the mass extinction of plants and animals.

By Sandrine Akeabeh