Paul Arithi 
The I&M Foundation has partnered with Miti Alliance on a Schools tree planting project in ten public primary schools located in Kiambu County.
The project is being implemented in ACK Karura, Gikambura, Kamangu, Kanjeru, Karura Ka Nyungu, Nachu, Njumbi, Riu Nderi, Thirime, and Thogoto Model Primary Schools.
The endeavour will focus on empowering and equipping 4,000 school-going children with knowledge, skills, and understanding of climate change issues with a target of growing one hundred high-value trees per school, specifically fruit and indigenous trees, which are well adapted to their environment and are integral to the function of an area’s ecosystem.
Commenting on the programme, James Gatere, the Head of I&M Foundation noted, “Cultivating a sustainable future begins with nurturing young minds, just as from a seed, a mighty tree grows.
The resolute dedication of the I&M Foundation to the Schools Greening Program represents a valuable investment in both environmental sustainability and the education of the Earth’s future custodians.”
He added, “In addition to supporting the growing of trees, I&M Foundation through this partnership, is inculcating a culture of tree growing in the learners which would enable them to thrive as environmental champions in future.”
The Programme entails creating arboretum spaces (a garden where many different types of trees are grown) in the schools by engaging learners in environmental awareness programs over a period of two years.
To support the tree-growing initiative, the I&M Foundation also donated 10,000 litre water tanks to each school complete with piping, and guttering.
They also sponsored the construction of stands for the tanks.
Michael Waiyaki, the CEO of Miti Alliance said the programme will also educate youths on the role that indigenous species, soil and water play in combating the climate crisis.
“Inspiring the youth to nurture their connection with nature and their communities stands at the heart of our mission.
With the collaborative support of the I&M Foundation,we are dedicated to empowering the next generation with essential environmental awareness, a fundamental tool in our collective effort to effectively combat climate change,” emphasized Waiyaki.
At a handover ceremony for the water tanks, the Chair of the Board of Management of Riu Nderi Primary School Canon Muriu said “We appreciate the great and noble gesture by the I&M Foundation and Miti Alliance who presented to the school a 10,000 litre water tank on top of a previous donation of trees and planting exercise of the same”.
He added, “We look forward to sustaining this great relationship and pray that the partnership grows to higher levels.”
Environmental Conservation and Education are two of I&M Foundation’s pillars, primarily achieved through implementing partners to instill the values of conservation and sustainable natural resource management within communities neighbouring educational institutions.
The Foundation’s primary beneficiaries are children and youth within these learning institutions, with a core objective of encouraging and fostering conservation practices and the sustainable utilization of natural resources.
