01/03/2025
St. Columba Catholic Secondary school of Lukulu District in Western province, has not been left out in the quest to conserve the environment in Zambia.
On Friday, 28th February, 2025, the school embarked on the tree planting initiative.
On this day, 20 fruit trees and 30 Indigenous trees were planted in the school grounds.
The initiative was sponsored by the Lukulu Town Council with the aim to empower pupils with the sense of responsibility of caring for their environment and creating a conducive learning environment.
To grace the event, was Father Reagan K***a OMI, the Parish Priest for Sancta Maria Catholic church in Lukulu who represented the Board of Management and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mongu. In his speech, Fr. Reagan thanked the school management and the entire school staff for creating an enhanced learning environment. To Lukulu Town Council, he thanked them for providing the trees. Fr. Reagan further quoted the scripture from the book of Genesis stating that God was happy with everything he created. He then encouraged everyone that as human beings we must coexist with animals and plants as we depend on each other for survival. Fr. Reagan also said that tree planting was an enhancement of life and not only for the purpose of having shade.
Mr. Mukonda I M, the headteacher, in his opening remarks said that the tree planting was essential so as to replace the trees that were uprooted by the strong winds during the 2024-2025 Rain Season. He added that, though the benefit were not for that day, he was sure that the people that would be at St. Columba Catholic Secondary school in the future will benefit.
To add, Ms. Chomba Mumba, the Environmental Planner at Lukulu Town Council encouraged the learners to take keen interest in the tree planting as they were stewards of the planet. She went on to say that the tree planting was a way of nurturing a future and contributing to a cleaner atmosphere, a cooler climate and a more beautiful world.
As seasons pass, the trees are expected to bear fruits that learners, teachers and other members of staff will enjoy eating.
Through tree planting, st. Columba Catholic Secondary school will not only contribute to environmental conservation but also empower learners to become active participants in protecting their local environment, Western province, the Catholic Diocese of Mongu and the globe at large.
By Mr Lubinda Haggai and Mrs Chiyesu - Kalumbe Samazaka.