Hora Press Club in tree planting initiative

By Chisomo Sezi

The Hora Press Club has taken some strides to plant 1,000 trees at Kazomba Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Mzimba as part of an environmental conservation initiative.

Students were part of the exercise PIC Chisomo Sezi

The tree-planting exercise was made possible by Raiply Malawi, which donated the seedlings to support the club’s efforts in afforestation and climate change mitigation.

Speaking at the event, Acting Director of Administration at M'mbelwa District Council, Viston Mulungu, urged students and teachers to take responsibility for protecting the trees.

He emphasized that preserving the environment is crucial for the future and will help mitigate the effects of climate change in Mzimba District.

Kazomba CDSS Headteacher expressed gratitude to Hora Press Club for choosing the school as a site for their tree-planting project.

"We appreciate Hora Press Club for the beautiful work they have done today. This initiative will benefit us in the future, and we promise to take care of the trees. Next year, we will see the positive changes," he said.

He assured stakeholders of the school's commitment to monitoring the growth of the trees, anticipating noticeable positive changes in the coming years.

Chairperson of Hora Press Club, Ephraim Mkali Banda, highlighted the need for responsible environmental stewardship, condemning the reckless cutting down of trees that has left Mzimba’s land degraded.

"As journalists, we love our country, and that is why we stepped in to plant these trees for the betterment of tomorrow. We report on various issues affecting communities and the nation, but we also take action where we can," he said.

Some of the participants during the exercise

He further stressed that journalists are not only observers but also active participants in addressing the challenges that affect their communities.

Moses Nkhana, Director of Mzimba Youth Organization, echoed similar sentiments, stating that it is the duty of young people to engage in tree-planting activities.

"My fellow youths need to understand that this responsibility lies with us, not the elderly. We are the ones who will benefit from these trees when we reach 40 years and beyond," he said.

Nkhana also emphasized that his organization encourages young people to secure land for tree planting as a way of fostering economic empowerment and combating climate change.

A Form Four student at Kazomba CDSS, Annie Nuka, highlighted the multiple benefits of trees, stating that they help conserve the environment, prevent floods, mitigate climate change, beautify the school, and provide materials for school infrastructure.

The event was successfully carried out with the support of Raiply Malawi and Mzimba Youth Organization, reinforcing the role of community partnerships in environmental conservation.