Banwa: In a unique environmental and educational initiative, primary school students in Solenzo have engaged in a tree-planting activity to observe the national days of patriotic commitment and civic participation, which are celebrated from October 2 to 16 each year. This initiative was in response to the call made by the governor of the Boucle du Mouhoun region, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness among young students.
According to Burkina Information Agency, schools across Solenzo, including those in remote village areas, participated in this event. The provincial environmental department provided various types of tree seedlings, such as cailcedrats, cashew trees, neem trees, and baobabs, which were planted in school compounds. Each classroom was assigned a tree to plant and is responsible for its maintenance.
Jean Marie Toé, the head of the Solenzo 1 Basic Education District, highlighted the educational aspect of the event, stating, “As part of the national days of pat
riotic commitment and civic participation, we decided to introduce children to tree planting. Each class was able to plant a tree and should maintain it.” This initiative not only contributes to the beautification and environmental health of the school surroundings but also serves as a practical lesson in environmental stewardship for the students.
The enthusiasm among the students was palpable. Eliane Kienou, a CE1 student at Solenzo A school, expressed her joy, “I planted a baobab because we can make sauce and we can sit under it.” The significance of the baobab tree was further elaborated by Mr. Toé, who mentioned, “Trees are very useful, especially the baobab. When we talked about the palaver tree before, it was under the baobab. Its leaves and fruits are edible.”
This initiative not only commemorates the national days of patriotic commitment and civic participation but also fosters a practical understanding of environmental conservation among the younger generation in Burkina Faso.