ENVIRONMENTALISTS have been encouraged to volunteer in tree planting efforts at schools to create healthier and more conducive learning environments for pupils.

Diana Mawalla, President of the Rotary Club of Kijitonyama made the call in Dar es Salaam at the weekend when speaking during a recent tree planting event. Over 300 trees were planted at Michael Urio Primary School in Tegeta-Namanga, Kinondoni Municipality, to enhance the school's environment.

Mawalla emphasized that planting trees not only benefits pupils but also fosters a culture of environmental protection. "The trees will provide shade and fruits for the pupils while teaching them the importance of caring for their surroundings at school and home," she said. 

 The initiative is part of the Rotary Club's community environmental conservation efforts aimed at improving local environment for all. Mawalla added that the school’s previous lack of shade made the project especially important.

 Elizabeth Clemence, the school’s headteacher, expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that the school had suffered flood disasters in the past, which washed away soil and trees. She explained that the school’s environmental conservation club, consisting of both pupils and teachers, will be responsible for maintaining the newly planted trees.

 “We have over 1,000 pupils and through our ‘My Tree’ initiative, we will assign trees to willing pupils who will care for them, with teachers overseeing their progress,” she said. She highlighted the importance of trees in creating a healthier and better learning environment for pupils.