During this lesson held in May, Eco-Club members learned about the importance of forests and were encouraged to take part in the reforestation of their communities.
The children filled pots in readiness for sowing tree seeds for the next growing season. “Growing together with my forest” is the motto for the Nanthomba Eco-Club children. Every year they raise and donate 20 000 seedlings to their communities. This year, the project was interrupted due to COVID-19. However, with the help of Ian Strange from the UK, Nanthomba Eco-Club alone will raise 10 000 seedlings.
The importance of observing a healthy social distance was also explained through activities and games. Children learned and practiced different skills around observing social distancing whenever they would be meeting for CITW activities. They also learned a number of skills in order to take the message of COVID-19 to their friends and family members.
For each of the eight Eco-Clubs, only 15 children were invited for the launch ceremonies. This was considered a way to observe and teach the children the importance of not overcrowding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the end of each Eco-Club meeting, a simple but well-balanced meal was served to the children as a way of teaching them about nutritious eating, and how their parents could put together a balanced diet from their locally sourced food supplies.
Many thanks to Ian Strange who also funded the provision of the meals so that the children meeting for their Eco-Club sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic could have a nutritious snack before heading back to their respective homes.
Report by Symon Chibaka
