NGO donates 5,000 seedlings to schools at Chiraa

Chiraa (B/A), Oct. 6, GNA - Treepals Ghana and Trees for The Future, two indigenous non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have donated 5,000 seedlings each to eight schools at Chiraa in the Brong Ahafo Region to enable them raise tree nurseries. The donation was made at a workshop which attracted about 328 pupils and 16 teachers. The participating schools were from Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Junior High School, SDA Primary 'A' and 'B', Chiraa Methodist and Presby Junior High School (JHS), God's Grace Education Complex, Catholic Primary, Rhema School and Chiraa Senior High School. Mr George Ansah, Co-ordinator of Treepals Ghana said the workshop was aimed to educate the participants about the importance of tree planting, agro-forestry and school gardening to enhance food security and environmental conversation.

He said his NGO hopes to enhance the practical and theoretical knowledge of the children in basic school and students in senior high schools in nursery establishment, transplanting skills and environmental friendly school gardening practices. Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) Volunteers in Ghana, Miss Naomi Ishida and Shoko Mori launched a tree planting and school gardening initiative with schools in Chiraa for the planting of 100 seedlings in each academic facility with support from Treepals Ghana. Lovans Owusu Takyi, Director of Trees for The Future in Ghana, stressed on the importance of school gardening and tree planting in enhancing agriculture and environmental education in schools. He said planting multi-purpose fast growing trees serve as wind-breaks, reduce noise, beautify the environment and facilitate teaching and learning. Mr Takyi called for reintroduction of agricultural and environment studies in basic and senior high schools since it encourage the youth to choose agriculture as their career. Mr Akoto Yeboah, Head teacher of SDA JHS expressed appreciation to Treepals Ghana, JICA volunteers for their support. 6 Oct. 10