Hornby High School Junior, under the Diocese of Kigezi, has embarked on a transformative 200-tree planting initiative sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kabale City in collaboration with the South Western Rural Development Foundation (SWRDF).
The event, held yesterday 23rd November 2024 at the school grounds on Rugarama Hill in Northern Division, Kabale Municipality, was graced by leaders, members of the Rotary Club, SWRDF representatives, and the school community. The Rotary Club of Kabale City was led by its president, Rtn. Wycliff Rushaju.
Geoffrey Beinomugisha, the Head Teacher of Hornby High School Junior, welcomed and emphasized that the activity seeks to enhance the school’s environment by planting 200 trees around the school’s boundaries and compound. He highlighted the benefits, including shade, beauty, and fruit production for the learners, and pledged commitment to nurturing the trees. He also called for additional support, noting the availability of more land for similar initiatives.
Canon Hillary Byoruganda, a board member of SWRDF, explained that the partnership with the Rotary Club of Kabale City aims to promote environmental conservation through tree planting. He further added that this initiative has been implemented in several institutions since August, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
Rev. Canon Obed Turihohabwe the Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral Rugarama Deanery representing the Diocese of Kigezi stressed the vital role of trees in sustaining life and mitigating environmental challenges like soil erosion. He called on the community to actively engage in tree-planting efforts.
Rtn. Wycliff Rushaju, the president of the Rotary Club of Kabale City, lauded the Diocese and the school for their collaboration. He encouraged the pupils to actively participate in tree-planting activities, reinforcing Rotary’s mission to support environmental conservation.
This tree-planting initiative is part of the Rotary Club of Kabale City’s broader goal to plant 10,000 trees by the end of the year. The launch saw Rotary members, alongside school staff and pupils, plant various indigenous and fruit trees across the school grounds. The initiative aligns with Rotary International’s focus on “Supporting the Environment,” reflecting their commitment to global sustainability efforts.
Notably, the Rotary Club of Kabale City and SWRDF have already planted over 5,000 trees at institutions such as National Teachers’ College Kabale, Kabale University, and along Kabale’s streets. Plans are underway to extend similar collaborations with the Kabale Diocese.
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