For the first time, Otancia Matambe, a secondary school student in Buea, had the opportunity to learn how to nurse a tree seedling. A skill she had only heard from her school mates who had participated in the previous Climate Action Program, of Voice of Nature (VoNat). Intrigued by the stories from her peers, she had longed for another of such sessions to be held again, so she can partake. “This is my first time learning how to nurse a tree seedling. I have learnt how to care for and grow plants. I am happy with what I have learnt here today”. Otancia shared.
Her excitement was evident as she joined her mates on Wednesday November 27, 2024, at a hands-on workshop held at VoNat’s nursery site, in the Ndongo neighborhood in Buea. The session aimed at teaching tree nursery and planting techniques, was organized following a request from the school’s administration, which sought to ensure more students benefitted from VoNat’s impactful environmental initiatives.
VoNat had initially concluded their Climate Action Program with Praise Baptist Academy, Buea. For about a year, they engaged 50 students from the institution on climate adaptation mechanisms, including tree planting. This initiative funded by Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and the McGinnity Family Foundation was designed to equip the students with practical solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Dr Dongang Ceraphine, Director of Programs at VoNat shared that they were surprised and encouraged when the school requested that they continue the climate action program with the kids. The renewed collaboration allowed VoNat to further engage the students in the practicalities of nurturing and growing trees. For Otancia Matambe, this extension gives her an opportunity to participate in the program, igniting her enthusiasm for environmental conservation.
“We called VoNat to come and continue this project with our institution, because we noticed a friendly working environment where the children were highly engaged in nature protection. It was building awareness in them, that this environment they see, they have to protect it” explained Ngemi Botam, Vice Principal, Praise Baptist Academy, Buea.
Just like Otancia, Njungong Robert, another student had his first experience learning how to nurse a seedling during the session. Having participated in earlier workshops organized by VoNat, he previously learnt about climate change, climate justice and tree planting. Now he feels confident not only in starting a nursery but also in caring for it. “Since VoNat came, I have been learning many things. I am happy that I now know how to create and take care of a nursery”. Said Robert.
According to the Founder and Executive Director of VoNat, Ndimuh B. Shancho, the school’s request to continue engaging the children in climate education underlines the project’s impact and success. He remarks that, it indicates that institutions and communities are embracing the call for climate action, and serves as an encouragement for his team and other environmental stakeholders.
By Jabi Katy