The Aga Khan School, Osh, contributes to the State Government’s “Green City” initiative
As a result of a more stable epidemiological situation in Kyrgyzstan, earlier this year the Mayor of Osh city announced a tree planting initiative for greening the city through tree planting. The “Green City” initiative was held on 20 March 2021. Staff, students and parents of the Aga Khan School, Osh, contributed by planting 100 oak trees in the Ak Tilek area, a newly developed part of the city with little existing greenery.
Tree planting is an engaging and environmentally friendly activity that many people can take part in to improve city life. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, tree planting has many other benefits, for example removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, which can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Gulnara Abdieva, a teacher at the Aga Khan School, Osh, noted, “For the staff, the tree planting action is not just about aesthetic beauty and improvement of our hometown, it is an approach of environmental education for the children. It instils in them love towards nature and their country. Moreover, it is an event that builds community spirit and unites, in our case, school children, parents, and the teaching staff, towards one goal to achieve together”.
In 2020, the school’s Student Council carefully prepared for the spring landscaping of the school and purchased 100 oak seedlings for planting. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent quarantines throughout the country prevented the tree planting event in 2020. This did not deter the students who were determined to undertake the tree planting at the earliest opportunity.
The Grandmother of a sixth grade student shared that, “This event has strengthened the bonds between the school and families. Our contribution to the city is a new beautiful look and fresh air. Through this activity, children get a better understanding of the importance of caring for nature. My grandson and I planted seven oak seedlings that will soon bloom and bring smiles to the faces of passersby and admiration."
Staff, students and parents all enjoyed participating in the tree planting activity and were proud of their contribution to the landscaping and greening of their hometown. Through this activity, students learnt to appreciate the beauty of nature and now feel more compelled to care for the environment.
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- Tree planting is an engaging and environmentally friendly activity that many people can take part in to improve city life and learn about caring for the environment
- Staff, students and parents all enjoyed participating in the tree planting activity and were proud of their contribution to the landscaping and greening of their hometown.
