By: Binta Jaiteh
ChildFund The Gambia, in partnership with Plantation Nursery, recently launched a ‘Green School Initiative’ aimed at promoting environmental sustainability through large-scale tree planting in schools and communities.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Foni Sibanor, targets the planting of 100,000 fruit and native trees. Starting with 30 pilot schools, the programme aims to scale up to reach 1,700 schools across the country. A complementary community agroforestry component will also engage families in tree planting to enhance food security and build climate resilience.
Musu Kuta Komma, Country Director of ChildFund The Gambia, described the initiative as a crucial step in tackling the challenges of deforestation and environmental degradation.
“Trees are the lungs of our planet, providing oxygen and maintaining ecological balance,” she said. “As a development partner, ChildFund has integrated environmental sustainability into our programming to help curb carbon emissions and reduce human-induced environmental damage.”
She notes that the initiative also supports ChildFund’s sponsor retention strategy, whereby sponsored children plant a tree in the name of their sponsor. “This symbolic gesture strengthens child-sponsor communication and promotes environmental responsibility,” Komma explained.
“Every tree planted is a symbol of hope, a promise for a greener and healthier tomorrow,” she added. “Beyond the shade they provide, trees improve air quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.”
National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang Karanai, Hon. Bakary Badjie, expressed appreciation for the project’s launch in his constituency. “Life cannot exist without trees,” he said, lamenting the widespread cutting of trees without replacement. “We must take ownership and ensure the trees are nurtured.”
The Deputy Governor of West Coast Region, Musa Amul Nyassi, underscored the importance of trees in soil conservation, water regulation, and biodiversity.
“They clean our air, cool our environment, and are essential for rural livelihoods providing food, medicine, and income,” he said. “This initiative is timely and vital. Every small step, like planting a tree, contributes to a larger impact.”
Also present at the event were representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Foni Ding Ding Federation, and Plantation Nursery, all of whom commended the project as a transformative contribution to environmental and educational development.