On the morning of Sunday, 15 February, over 50 volunteers from the international award-winning organisation ASEZ gathered at Northriding Secondary School in Randburg, Johannesburg, to plant 70 peach fruit trees to fight climate change and bring awareness to the school and community in partnership with Ward 101 Councillor, Ralf Bittkau.
The tree planting project is part of the 'Mother's Forest' campaign that looks to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. Through this campaign, ASEZ members aim to plant 7-billion trees globally. In January the group planted 55 trees at Golden Harvest Park, while ASEZ WAO planted 280 trees in Cape Town and Port Elizebath respectively. They have planted almost 7 000 trees in South Africa, says the organisation.
On the day, the group was joined by the reigning Mrs South Africa 2026, Verushka Singh, who is also a climate strategist and MD of Climate Axis who shared words of encouragement to everyone who attended. "When we plant a tree, we restore some balance. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, cool urban environments, improve air quality, support biodiversity, stabilise the soil and create food security when they bear fruit," says Singh.
Councillor Bittkau, who regularly partners with ASEZ in Johannesburg on various voluntary activities, expressed his gratitude once again and eluded that the pupils would benefit from the trees in the near future. "ASEZ, I can never thank you enough for the wonderful work you do for the community on a global scale. Think about it, in a year or two, the children will now enjoy peach fruits in their own school and enjoy shade. It's amazing."
ASEZ strives to create a happy world by fulfilling responsibilities as the future generation. Just as a mother provides care and comfort where it is needed, ASEZ strives to extend that same warmth and love to its neighbours and the world, especially those facing disasters and other hardships, concludes the organisation.
For more information, visit www.asezwao.org.
*Image courtesy of contributor