Tecno Mobile project manager Kilonzo Mumo (L) with children from Liberty Children Home plant trees at the facility on Saturday. [Photo/Tecno]
Tecno Mobile has launched “child adopts a tree” programme in Charitable Children Institutions and Schools in Ukambani.
The company’s project manager Kilonzo Mumo said the initiative is intended to promote environmental conservation alongside instilling the virtue of responsibility among the children at their tender ages.
Mumo addressed the press at Liberty Children Home in Mavoko, Machakos County on Saturday.
He said Tecno donated over 1,000 tree seedlings and helped orphans and vulnerable children in the institution plant them within the institution’s compound under “child adopts a tree” program.
Mumo said the program was designed to ensure each child adapt at least one tree which he planted and takes care of it to maturity for it to survive.
He said the initiative if effectively replicated in all children homes and schools within Machakos, Makueni and Kitui Counties then drought will be a thing of the past in few coming years.
“The model of this program is to ensure each child adopts one tree in orphanages and schools both primary and secondary, they need to water, weed and manure them frequently under the supervision of home managers and teachers,” said Mumo.
Mumo said Tecno mobilized Mlolongo youths through their various youth groups to help in the tree planting at Liberty home with the intent of motivating them to replicate the same in areas they live.
He said they will conduct assessments on the progress of the tree on monthly basis to ensure they do not dry up but thrive to maturity.
“We as parents have to lay the foundation for the children. This is one of our awareness programs, we will conduct monthly assessments and reward children who take good care of their trees,” said Mumo.
Mumo said children need to be enlightened on the importance of trees and environmental conservation generally.
He said the society should embrace the art of giving to the vulnerable members of the community.
“Giving is an art and we should give back to the community, society ndio imetujenga mpaka place tumefika,” added Mumo.
Mumo said they have been supporting communities in Nairobi and Machakos County for the last five years under Tecno’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
They donated seedlings, foodstuff, toys, balloons, and clothing to the children before playing football with them as a way of giving them hope in life.
He said their CSR is not limited to children and tree planting but have other projects.
“We have other projects and will be visiting Marsabit County in December to support the girl child’s education,” said Mumo.