A Group led by Bheki Sithole, formed of Cubs and Scouts based in the Nkomazi District, in Mpumalanga embarked on a community project named “Trees for life”. They planted 100 trees at 12 schools in their mission to establish a greener environment. The group used their funding to purchase seedling and wood slat. In a bid to raise awareness amongst Cubs and Scouts about global warming and climate change, they only planted indigenous plants.

The Group partnered with the Nelspruit SANBI Botanical Garden, the Nkomazi local Municipality, Mahushe-Shongwe-Game Reserve and the Kruger National park. They informed the Municipality and local NGOs about their project to promote values of scouting. To get donation for the trees the Group held a workshop with the local Municipality about the project. With the help of eight volunteers the Group distributed trees to 12 schools across Mpumalanga.

The first tree was planted at Roman Catholic Church in Kamhlushwa. While working on the project the Cubs and Scouts learnt skills which they can also use at home such as the importance of trees, how to plant them and maintain their growth. Climate change and global warming are big challenges facing the environment today. All 12 schools that were identified for this project lacked trees, and now, with the help of the Cubs and Scouts, they are now going to be provided with shade in hot and sunny seasons. Teachers from all schools were very impressed by the Group’s commitment to the project and the environment.