JBF pupils fight gully erosion with tree planting

Joyce Banda Foundation (JBF) Primary School pupils have put up a gallant fight against gully erosion around their school premises by planting over 200 trees.

During their tree planting exercise last Friday, the pupils’ spokesperson Christabel Hetekere said the trees that included cinderella, lemons and mahogany, will help to cover their land, which lies at the foot of Soche Mountain in Blantyre.

The nine-year-old Grade Six pupil said they decided to plant the trees after noting they erosion that resulted from wanton cutting of trees by some people up in the mountain.

“Trees not only prevent erosion, but also help us have a beautiful environment that brings us fresh air and good rains.

“It is also through trees that we get medicine and building materials. As youths, it is our responsibility to protect the environment,” Christabel said.

The school’s head boy Victory Pingasa and head girl Aisha Khamisa led the group of about 200 pupils during the exercise.

According to JBF primary school’s head teacher Nellie Chimkota, the school encourages their pupils to plant trees not only at the school but at their respective homes as well. The school was established in 1999.