School authorities in Ntcheu district have described the Forest Land Restoration (FLR) Project, which YONECO is implementing in the district with funding from FAO, as beneficial in the restoration of Mpira Dam catchment area.
The remarks were made by the authorities after a sensitization meeting which YONECO in collaboration with Ntcheu District Forestry Office convened on 26th November, 2024 at Education Offices in the district.
The Chairperson for Ntcheu Secondary School Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Thom Mizunga, assured the meeting that parents and teachers will ensure that leaners are fully aware of the importance of forest restoration activities in their areas.
Among others things, Mizunga stated that students will be encouraged to take ownership of the forest restoration interventions in older to bring back the much-needed vegetative cover not only around Mpira Dam but across the whole Ntcheu district.
“We have many students from 14 schools and their meaningful involvement in the restoration process will be key in achieving the intended goal in time,” explained Mizunga.
The meeting was attended by Primary Education Advisors (PEAs), head teachers, forestry officers, agricultural extension workers, as well as members of various school-based structures like Mother Groups, PTA and School Management Committees (SMC).
The FLR Project aims at contribute to the Malawi Government’s efforts to promote forest land restoration interventions. Mpira Dam is a main source of portable piped water for residents of Ntcheu district but the dam has been unable to retain enough water for the population due to deforestation.
Students from various schools around Mpira Dam will be engaged to contribute towards the restoration of forest trees around the dam.
Thus, YONECO, with technical and financial support from FAO, will strengthen the capacity of the youth to ably contribute towards the afforestation efforts. Thus, the young people will be supported to establish tree nurseries, woodlots and Orchards in 14 schools and surrounding villages.
