By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Rotary E-Club of Ghana has taken up a tree-planting project at Accra High School in Accra. This partnership with the Forestry Commission and the school’s administration is to help to push the agenda of a greener future from the pressure brought on by climate change.
Recognizing the urgent need for collective action to address the global climate crisis, the Rotary E-Club members took it upon themselves to make a tangible difference within the community. The objective of the initiative was two-fold; First is to ameliorate environmental conditions while educating young minds about the importance of ecological sustainability.
The members of the Rotary E-Club of Ghana gathered at the school premises early in the morning as they set about the task of planting a diverse range of native tree species suitable for the local climate.
The President of the Rotary E-Club of Ghana Ms. Efua Dougan, expressed her optimism about the project’s potential impact, stating, “Rotary cares about the environment and the community thats why we are here”.
Rotarian Efua Dougan said the exercise follows a directive from Rotary International President directing all clubs to make a tree planting a top priority especially in the various communities.
“We were looking to come back to a community to embark on an exercise, so we wanted to re-connect to a school that Rotary has done an activity for and we decided to come to Accra High School”- She added.
Touching on the benefit of the exercise, Ms. Efua Dougan said “with this initiative, its a long term project, with Rotary whatever we do, we are looking at it long term, how it would be of benefit not only to the generation now but to the future generations”.
Service Project Chair, Rotary E-Club of Ghana, Dr Kobby Appiah-Sakyi said Rotary is in over 130 countries doing small and big projects for various communities making impact.
“What we have done today is a small representation of what Rotary does around the entire world. The tree planting exercise is basically sowing little seeds and with over-time and with nurturing it will grow into something that is bigger in this community”.- He said.
Dr Kobby Appiah-Sakyi further added that ” what we have done today is actually a Rotary garden that is being planted, so that if you come in the next 5, 10 years, you see a garden with Rotary’s name on it representing something that Rotary has done”.
The tree-planting project aimed to not only contribute to climate change mitigation but also enhance the aesthetics of the school campus. By strategically planting the trees, the Rotary Club hopes to create a greener and more inviting environment for the students that will foster a greater appreciation for nature.
Mrs. Evelyn Naabia, the headmistress of Accra High School, expressed her gratitude for the Rotary Club’s efforts, emphasizing the educational benefits of such initiatives.
“By involving our students in practical sustainability projects like this, we are instilling within them a sense of responsibility and encouraging their active involvement in preserving our planet for future generations,” she said.
As part of the project, and with guidance from the Forestry Commission, the Rotary E-Club of Ghana also trained students on how to plant and how often to water the trees to ensure its survival.