Absa Bank has handed over learning support and sporting items worth Six Hundred Thousand Kwacha, to various provisional schools across the country, that participated in its plant a hundred trees competition last year.
The winning schools will receive solar solutions, school desks, sports kits, team jerseys, soccer balls, water bottles and school books.
Speaking at the event, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Educational Services, Kelvin Mambwe, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director for Planning, Felix Ngoma, says that schools are a critical platform for promoting climate resilience.
ZANIS reports that Dr Mambwe added that schools can inculcate values of sustainability and instil environmental responsibility that can shape learners into future citizens who understand the importance of protecting natural resources.
“What began as a vision has now translated into a real impact within our schools and communities.
I want to commend Absa Bank for its continued leadership in environmental stewardship,” said Dr Mambwe.
He also called on schools that participated in the challenge to continue caring for the trees planted and to build on the momentum by expanding environmental initiatives within communities.
Zambia Forestry and Forest Industry Corporation (ZAFFICO) Public Relations Manager, Choolwe Kasamu, assured continued institutional support that will ensure that the journey towards one million trees is achieved.
Mr Kasamu also emphasised that climate change is real and that being a part of an initiative of planting one million trees in Zambia, is important beyond the current generation.
Meanwhile, ABSA Bank Managing Director, Mizinga Melu said that her institution is committed to making a positive impact in the communities and that planting a tree is building a legacy that is going to support more generations to come.
Ms Melu said that climate action is a collective effort and that every tree planted is a symbol of hope for the planet that imparts long-life environmental values in the children.
The initiative has so far seen close to 500,000 trees planted at various schools across the country.
