2019 Trip Blog #7
by Kathy Mutch
Bending down to help Robert plant his papaya tree was a powerful experience for us both. Robert was excited and imaging the fruits and money he will make from this little sapling. He had just finished Greg’s educational and engaging class on sexual health, growing as a man, responsibility, consent, preventing HIV and sexuality transmitted diseases and was feeling empowered and valued.
Last year we had brought the Days for Girls kits and during the student assembly the boys in the high school expressed their feelings of being left out. ‘Girls get all the attention when visitors come’. They couldn’t articulate what they needed, but I left feeling that if we are to make a societal change we have to begin with respect and guidance for both sexes. That was when the idea of Trees for Boys began. What better symbol of positive growth for a boy then a tree! Trees grow, provide shade, retain soil, purify the environment, and need nurturing and attention to grow strong and productive.
So on January 28, 2019 as we planted Robert’s tree together, hope for a better future is also planted.
