The following article appears in Nyanza Daily. Read more stories about International Day of Peace from Global Peace Foundation HERE. Established by the United Nations in 1981, the International Day of Peace is recognized on September 21st of every year to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples.
Daniel Juma (left) plants tree during International Day of Peace celebrations.
Nairobi, Kenya–In a remarkable display of commitment to environmental sustainability and the celebration of peace, the Global Peace Foundation Kenya, in collaboration with the Chandaria Foundation, the Standard Group, and the Nairobi Primary, spearheaded a tree planting campaign to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Under the theme “Action for Peace; Ambitions for Global Goals,” the 2023 celebrations witnessed the planting of over 2000 trees at Alliance High School and Alliance Girls High School. The event also marked the official launch of Chandaria Tree Nurseries, each with a capacity of 100,000 seedlings, at both institutions.
Ms. Beverly Moss, Secretary of Peace Building and Conflict Management in the Office of the President, plants tree.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Ms. Beverly Moss, Secretary of Peace Building and Conflict Management in the Office of the President, commended the Global Peace Foundation and the Chandaria Foundation for their invaluable support in government-led efforts to mitigate climate change through tree planting. During her address, she encouraged the students of Alliance Girls to work diligently and expressed gratitude to the school for nurturing essential values. “On behalf of my team here, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Global Peace Foundation Kenya for inviting us to this event and eagerly anticipate future collaborations in peacebuilding endeavors.”
Emphasizing the extraordinary contributions of Alliance High School and Alliance Girls High School, Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi, the Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Kenya, underscored the institutions’ track record in producing accountable leaders who make significant contributions to society. He urged the students to uphold their high standards in serving others and maintaining their reputation. “Your principal informed me that Alliance is renowned for its accomplishments beyond the classroom, a testament to why Alliance consistently produces exceptional results, with students being admitted to renowned universities like Harvard on an annual basis.”
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Manu Chandaria, Mr. Vincent Rapando from the Chandaria Foundation appealed to the alumni of both schools to support the tree nurseries’ sustainability by purchasing trees from them. He pledged continued support for the tree growing initiative, recognizing the vital role it plays in combatting climate change and promoting environmental conservation.
Alliance Girls Principal speaks to participants of the tree planting ceremonies in Kenya.
Offering congratulations to the Global Peace Foundation for their impactful initiative, the UDA Party Nyanza Coordinator acknowledged the importance of Climate Action as a key pillar of President Ruto’s administration.
The creation of the tree nurseries aligns with the Million Tree Growing campaign, a joint effort between the Global Peace Foundation Kenya and the Chandaria Foundation. As part of this campaign, nine tree nurseries have been established in primary schools, secondary schools, and universities. With the aim of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, as called for by President William Ruto, this campaign serves to enhance Kenya’s forest cover and contribute to environmental sustainability. The partners in this endeavor include the Standard Media Group, UNICAF, Kenya Forest Service, and other key stakeholders in the environmental conservation sector.
The Million Tree Growing campaign, through the establishment of tree nurseries in educational institutions like Starehe Girls Center, Nairobi Primary School, Kaptagat High School, and Daystar University, not only fosters environmental conservation but also provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn and actively engage in promoting the importance of sustainability.
By uniting various organizations and institutions, the Global Peace Foundation Kenya ensures that its tree planting efforts create a lasting impact on the environment while instilling a sense of responsibility and guardianship among the youth. As the country progresses towards a greener and more sustainable future, such collaborative initiatives will play a crucial role in fostering peace, resilience, and a thriving planet for generations to come.
