On 8 April 2025, YONECO, in collaboration with Ntcheu District Forestry Office, a launch event for the afforestation of land areas in schools and communities around Mpira Dam catchment area in Ntcheu district.
The launch event, held in Ntcheu, will see the establishment of fruit orchards and woodlots in villages and 14 schools within the vicinity of Mpira Dam, whose annual water retention has been affected by deforestation in its catchment area.
Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Headteacher of Ntcheu Secondary School, Sautso Mwadula, expressed his gratitude that the school and its learners are part of the Mpira Dam catchment area afforestation drive.
On behalf of her fellow students, Serister Mhango, a Form 3 student at the school, pledged their commitment to both their studies and the care of the trees around their campus. She further encouraged her schoolmates to maintain the culture of planting trees even at home.
“Trees are vital to our everyday lives, and we need to plant more to benefit more as well,” explained Serister.
The initiative is one of the activities that YONECO is implementing with financial support from FAO under the Forest Land Restoration Project. The project aims to promote forest land restoration activities in schools and communities around the Mpira Dam, which supplies tap water to Ntcheu, Balaka, and Liwonde towns.
Taking his turn, the Executive Director of YONECO, MacBain Mkandawire, expressed gratitude to FAO for the support towards the restoration of Mpira Dam catchment area. Mkandawire stated that, on a larger scale, this initiative will also help in addressing various climate change-related challenges that Malawi is currently facing.
#LandRestoration #ClimateAction #YouthAndClimate
