In Nakivale Refugee Settlement, the environment is under constant pressure. Trees are cut for firewood, the soil becomes weaker, and changing weather patterns make it harder for families to grow food. These challenges affect not only the land but also the daily lives of the people who depend on it.
At Folona Hub, we are taking practical steps to respond to these challenges. Recently, we carried out a tree-planting activity, providing seedlings to families and planting trees in public spaces. Alongside this, we trained community members on how to plant, protect, and care for the trees properly.
Trees help rebuild soil fertility, reduce erosion, and create a healthier environment. They provide shade, improve air quality, and support biodiversity. For families, especially those newly arrived in the settlement, trees can also become a long-term source of food and income.
What made this activity meaningful was the involvement of the community. Families were not just receiving trees, but they were learning and taking responsibility for them. There was meaningful participation, and people showed commitment to maintaining what they planted.
We are now preparing for our next tree donation across 6 villages to support families and ensure they continue to grow. This step is important because planting is only the beginning; care and consistency are what make the impact last.
When the land is healthy, people are better able to sustain themselves and build stable lives.
Great initiative