Volunteers from ASEZ WAO took climate action into their own hands on Sunday, 1 February, planting trees at two Nelson Mandela Bay schools as part of a global environmental campaign.
The tree-planting initiative, carried out at Khumbulani High School and Newton Park Technical High School, formed part of the Mother’s Forest Project, a global environmental campaign led by ASEZ WAO.
ASEZ WAO, which stands for Save the Earth from A to Z, We Are One Family, is an international volunteer organisation composed of young adults.
According to ASEZ WAO representative Lutho Jonas (27), tree planting remains one of the most accessible and effective ways to respond to climate challenges.
“Tree planting is the starting point in responding to the climate crisis,” Jonas said. “Trees absorb carbon dioxide and help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing both the causes and impacts of climate change.”
He said the project was also aimed at strengthening environmental awareness among young people.
“Young adults came together with a shared commitment to improve the environment of schools where future generations continue their learning and to raise students’ awareness of environmental protection,” Jonas added.
The Mother’s Forest Project promotes tree planting as a practical response to climate change, with trees planted as a symbol of a mother’s care for the wellbeing of families, communities and future generations.
Yesterday the activities began at 10:00 and brought together around 32 participants, including ASEZ WAO members and residents.
Volunteers worked for approximately three hours, transporting seedlings, digging holes, planting saplings, covering them with soil and watering them.
Thsonono Buyeye, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Health in Nelson Mandela Bay, visited the planting site and welcomed the initiative.
“This is what we want to see – citizens of the world coming together and making sure that they fight against climate change that is seriously affecting poor communities,” Buyeye said. “With an initiative like this, we are building resilience so that the impact of climate change is not as severe or as devastating as it normally is.”
The project was undertaken at the request of the Department of Forestry, which supplied 20 seedlings whilst Nelson Mandela University contributed an additional 10 seedlings and compost.
On the same day, ASEZ WAO also planted 250 trees in the vicinity of Khayelitsha Hospital in Cape Town, where they were joined by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
For the volunteers, the experience carried personal meaning. Simnikiwe Mqwebedu (25) described the trees as symbols of long-term impact.
“The trees we plant today are more than just greenery; they are symbols of care, stewardship and hope for future generations,” she said.
Meanwhile Unathi Xuba (25) said the activity left her feeling fulfilled.
“I find planting a tree very satisfying. I can’t wait to see how this tree will grow.”
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