The gist behind the scenes: Trees for Boys Program
2019 Trip Blog #13
Written by Liz Oluouch
Today’s blog is written by Liz! Liz; Elizabeth Oluoch is the Exectutive Director of Beyond Limitations (our partner organization on Mageta Island). She is our Kenyan Superwoman, and is an essential part of our team. We love working with her. Check out her experience with the Canadian team in the post below.
Although the full potential of “trees for boys” is yet to be realized, the program has a big catch for the “boy child” in terms of expected outcomes including but not limited to: Beautification and change of school outlook characterized by color green, wind breaking; soil conservation; fruit production; improved nutrition and health; provision of shade; enhancement of boys roles and responsibilities to become mature and responsible citizens; transfer and adaptation of new technological skills in agroforestry; creation of a home for birds and pollination of insects; acquisition of knowledge on multifaceted use of moringa and other medicinal trees and establishment of small IGAs for schools ad institutions. Below is a picture of the start -up project at Foundation tone Children’s Trust.
Peter at Foundation stone children’s’ Trust checking grafted and other fruit trees.
Pawpaw that is expected to be ready within the next five months in Foundation Stone Children’s Tust.
The benefit of creation of “No-go-zone” at Foundation stone.
Trees for Girls? Yes.
Girls vehemently refused to be left behind in tree planting. No matter how successful boys are, their full potential is realized with girls rallying alongside them. In this case, the role of tree planting has the same replication effect among both genders. They planted some trees too. See girls pictures below.
Girls at work! Cheri and volunteer social worker in Meru planting trees.
“Rock mulching”- spreading small rocks around trees serves as inorganic mulch, inhibiting weeds, allowing proper percolation and water retention, insulating roots and conserving moisture. Rock mulch protects roots and trunks, conserves water and decorates around trees. It will reduce soil erosion and keep trees warm in cold weather and cool in the summer adding an additional layer of protection. The little ones are looking on as the skill is transferred at a tender age.