Stakeholders push youth-led conservation
BAGAMOYO: COMMUNITIES in Bagamoyo District have been urged to support government efforts to protect the environment by actively involving children and young people, a move considered crucial for achieving sustainable results.
The call was made by the Head of Programmes at the Organisation for Community Development (OCODE), Ms Digna Mushi, during a treeplanting exercise at Ukuni Primary School in Dunda Ward, Bagamoyo Town Council, held to mark World Environment Day.
“As development partners, particularly in the education sector, we have a responsibility to support government efforts aimed at protecting the environment,” Ms Mushi said.
She noted that OCODE was committed to educating children on the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.
“We are here to provide children with knowledge on the benefits of planting trees and protecting the environment for their own well-being and that of future generations,” she said.
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Ms Mushi added that before the tree-planting exercise, OCODE participated in a beach-cleaning campaign along the Bagamoyo coastline together with youths from the area. Ukuni Primary School Head Teacher, Ms Zainab Makamba, said the school has been actively involved in environmental conservation initiatives, with pupils receiving lessons and participating in various related activities.
“We thank the government for working with stakeholders such as OCODE, which has enabled us to mark World Environment Day through the planting of fruit trees. This is a commendable initiative that leaves a lasting positive impact on the children,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of fellow pupils, Standard Six students Lusajo Mwakalindile and Tatu Ismail expressed gratitude for being involved in the exercise and pledged to work closely with their teachers to nurture and protect the trees. The event formed part of efforts to promote environmental awareness and encourage community participation in conservation activities.
