Catholic Church urges students to plant trees

Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church pastoral secretary Father Joseph Sikwese has urged students in the Catholic schools in Mzuzu and Karonga to plant trees to conserve the environment.

He made the call on Tuesday at Chaminade Secondary School in Karonga District during the launch of the Catholic Scouts of Karonga and Mzuzu Dioceses-initiated 2021/22 tree-planting season.

He said: “Trees sustain our lives through rains, oxygen, soil stabilisation, shelter for wildlife, food and they also provide building materials.

“Therefore, it is imperative for teachers, students and parents to grow as many trees as possible. Above all, we have to take care of the environment to avoid prolonged dry spells.”

Chaminade Secondary School head teacher Island John Mtambo said  education is not all about learning mathematics and speaking good English, but also taking care of the environment.

He said: “This school follows Catholic social teachings whose pillar is stewardship which encourages people to supervise and take care of something.”

The school’s head boy Blessings Mwanjala said they were ready to take care of the environment to reduce the impact of climate change.

Karonga and Mzuzu Dioceses with support from Nanguthina of Germany, plan to plant 3 200 trees.