MCL, Aga Khan reach 25 schools in Dar es Salaam with tree planting initiative

Dar es Salaam. Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL), in conjunction with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), has completed the first phase of planting mini-forests in 25 primary schools in the Ubungo Municipality.

The forests are projected to provide a variety of benefits to schools, including improved learning and teaching environments, climate regulation and air pollution reduction.

Speaking after planting the trees at Kilimani Primary School on Friday, March 22, 2024, MCL managing director, Mr Bakari Machumu, said small forests can be a solution for urban areas that face limited space for tree planting.

"Our colleagues at AKF proposed the idea, and we decided to join them. Planting trees can create a small forest, and it doesn't require much space,” he said, citing an example from Kilimani Primary School, where 210 trees were planted in a small area.

"There are fruit trees, medicinal plants, and carbon-absorbing trees among these. If every office or area had something like this, the city would gradually absorb carbon dioxide."

Mr Machumu noted that MCL plans to plant 15,000 trees this year using the small forest system, and in the first phase, they have planted 5,000 trees in 25 primary schools.

"You could think it's insignificant, but recall that we weren't doing it before. We have only just begun, and we will use the media to educate people about this. As a media organisation, we believe that by demonstrating practically, others will comprehend better and follow suit," Mr Machumu said.

As a media outlet, MCL disseminates information through social media, digital platforms and printed newspapers, which are derived from trees.

"We reflected on and joined this initiative as part of the whole movement to combat climate change, considering that we are consumers of trees. We decided to participate by joining AKF to introduce this new concept of small forests," he added.

AKF’s country director, Mr David Siso, said the institution's goal to address climate change is what prompted their active involvement in tree planting in various areas.

"AKF's strategy for addressing climate change involves planting small forests and mangroves in areas affected by ocean pollution," said Mr Siso.

He said among the trees planted at Kilimani Primary School are flowers and others that will aid students in practical learning about trees in biology-related studies.

The early and primary education officer for Ubungo Municipality, Mr Denis Nyoni, said the initiative will create a friendly learning and teaching environment.

"The benefits of tree planting include environmental conservation. The trees will reduce heat during the day when students are in class and improve the climate," said Mr Nyoni.

Kilimani School head teacher, Ms Zubeda Jane, said the school will take care of the trees to achieve the intended goals. She said the planted trees have been fertilised, and their job is now to protect and water them.

The executive director of the Humanity Dignity and Environment Care Foundation (Hudefo), which participated in the tree-planting, Ms Sarah Pima, said her institution will collaborate with AKF and MCL to ensure the planted trees thrive.

She said for every school that is planted, Hudefo ensures there is proper management, along with building the capacity of students on various tree-planting steps and their benefits.