We usually think of a forest as a group of trees, but it is a complex, living community. Beneath the forest canopy dwell interdependent populations of plants and animals, while the soil that forms the forest floor contains a large variety of invertebrates, bacteria, and fungi, all of which play an essential role in cycling nutrients in the soil and the forest.
On March 21, which is World Forestry Day, teachers taught all of these facts to children at our HoPE Learning Centers, and the children were encouraged to plant trees and make posters on recycled materials, including precious Moringa trees, around their villages.
They were also taught to make plant graftings. Each child made one grafting. They were then asked to take care of each plant. The teachers explained to the children about the importance of trees and the effects of deforestation. They enjoyed this session and plan to repeat it each year.
It doesn’t take much to bring HoPE and education to future generations. Right now, only $9 a month covers the costs of HoPE Center sponsorship, tutoring, lessons, materials, daily mini meals and world knowledge during special holidays, like World Forestry Day. For only $300 a month, you can sponsor an entire HoPE Learning Center filled with 40 children (and plant 40 trees as well)!
