On Tuesday, 22 February 2022, Ashford Academy hosted a tree planting exercise to plant trees gifted to Rhodes Park Schools Group by First National Bank (FNB) Zambia in joint partnership with Plant A Million Zambia. The tree planting exercise was spearheaded by Ms. Naomi Namonje of Plant a Million Zambia and Mr. Kabanda Lilanda (FNB Head of Business and Commercial). Participants included students from Ashford Academy and Rhodes Park School, over 50 FNB employees, Rhodes Park Schools Chief Academic Officer, Mr. Samuel Lungu, Head Teacher of Rhodes Park School Mrs. FC Siabwanta, Head Teacher of Ashford Academy Mr. N. Masona.
The tree planting exercise began with an opening prayer by our master of ceremonies, Mr. Phiri, followed by a welcoming speech by Mrs. Siabwanta.
Four Ashford Academy girls (Tunawahilli Kapaya, Daisy Katongo, Yamikani Shuko, and Limpo Shuko) recited a poem titled “Trees, Trees, Trees”.
Another Grade Eight pupil, Kalelwa Chilombo, shared a speech in which he highlighted the benefits of trees and thanked our guests for sponsoring the tree planting exercise. Kalelwa closed off his remarks stating that students are committed to taking good care of the seedlings and could not wait to invite our guests to enjoy the fruits of the event in the future. After the speeches and presentations, it was time to start planting.
Thank you FNB and Plant A Million Zambia for giving us the perfect gift (trees) and for your commitment to fighting climate change.
A total of 56 seedlings comprising Musikili, Jacaranda, Mango, Guava, and Orange trees were planted.