FDH Bank partners Rise and Shine Private School in tree-planting exercise

FDH Bank plc has partnered Mulanje-based Rise and Shine Private School to plant trees at Njeza Primary School in its quest to plant one million trees by 2024.

Speaking on Tuesday in Mulanje during the tree-planting exercise, FDH Bank plc group head of audit Allans Nkhoma, who led a team from the Malawi Stock Exchange-listed bank, said they are driving towards the agenda of planting one million trees in partnership with various stakeholders.

He said this is in line with Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development plan, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

 “As FDH Bank plc, one of our strategic pillars focuses on sustainability. Under this pillar, we are running the ‘Be Green Smart’ campaign through tree- planting activities involving our staff members, partnerships with various organisations and head office initiatives,” said Nkhoma.

“We also adopted Chingale Hills in Zomba where we plant trees and engage communities in conservation support as well as encouraging them to take care of the trees they plant to ensure of their 100 percent survival.”

Nkhoma said they also sponsor pro-green initiatives by different players who support environmental sustainability, a corroboration that includes Electricity Generation Company, Blantyre Water Board, Mzuzu City Council, Mzuzu University, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Catholic Men’s Organisation, Chileka Lions Club, Catholic Development Commission, Farmers Union, Zomba City Council and Njedza Primary School through Rise and Shine.

He said FDH Bank plc recognises the importance of a green environment and as a responsible corporate citizen, it reinforces its commitment to champion a sustainable and resilient green environment.

“We truly applaud the commitment to a pro-green environment shown by officials and the community here in Mulanje and we encourage you all not to relent in these efforts as promoting a sustainable environment is key to a sustainable future for all of us,” said Nkhoma

Rise and Shine director Cynthia Maere said she was happy that FDH Bank plc supported the incentive campaign of planting trees involving the school.

She said: “Let us all take part in conserving our environment. It’s never too late for you to plant a tree and never be discouraged by the size of any tree because it won’t be there forever.

“The most important thing is, the replaced trees still serve the same purpose as those of the older or cut ones at some point. Let us also encourage our children in the homes to plant trees.”

Rise and Shine Private School was launched in December last year by Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences graduates, with support from FDH Bank plc under the Graduate Start-up Programme.

The programme falls under FDH Bank plc’s sustainable key pillar whose main objective is to empower the youth, women, young girls as well as the elderly.