Kakamega is Kenya’s tenth largest city. Poverty and unemployment abound.  The incidence of HIV/Aids is high and those youth orphaned as a result are most more »]]> “CES students recently planted 400 fresh saplings in the red iron soil of Western Kenya. Was this an exercise in futility or did it somehow make a difference?”

Kakamega is Kenya’s tenth largest city. Poverty and unemployment abound.  The incidence of HIV/Aids is high and those youth orphaned as a result are most likely not attending school.  Many people live in mud huts and shelters with rough galvanized-tin roofs. There is suffering here and there is also pride. People eke out a living hoping to obtain a meal a day – not always guaranteed. This is the part of Kenya you must experience to understand even a little of the nation’s challenges.

There are pressures on the environment because of climate change, unpredictable rain patterns and indiscriminate cutting of trees for firewood.  Trees are not replaced.  Twenty or more years of growth are wiped out in a single day. Scientists predict an environmental disaster will happen if changes do not occur.

In March 2012 I visited Kakamega. I once again experienced the joy of interacting with CES students. There was a wonderful sense of celebration as we heard the girls’ choir at Bishop Sulumeti HS and the singing of the Kenyan anthem at Friends Namirama Girls’ SS.  Students at each location received the tree plants CES had provided for the event. They heard the story of Professor Wangari Maathai who had sacrificed her life and career for the cause of a green environment.  Anticipation was building as instructions on soil preparation and planting were given.  Now it was their turn to do something – to make a difference.

It was mid morning and the sun was already hot.  An advance team had gone ahead with pick axes to break the hard ground.  Students lined up with plants to drop into the holes. In an amazing show of strength they carried buckets of water on their backs. They gave the young saplings a drink of water and carefully smoothed the dirt over the tiny plant. Each tree was planted in memory of someone else who had helped them in their life journey.

And yes, I planted a tree in Kenya. Tears were close to the surface as I joined this beautiful line up of students.  It was a magical moment where CES students displayed a resolve to do something to make their community stronger. They were learning that in giving there is great joy.

Living a life of service for others is a tough concept in a world where every ounce of energy is expended on self preservation.  Yet, it is still possible, particularly when partnership and teamwork prevail. One sows, another waters and miracles begin to happen.

What took place in Kakamega last March is a small example of what is possible the world over. Reforestation and tree planting are important to sustain the environment. Volunteering to do it is equally important.  The end result is a feeling of hope that rises from the human heart that says, “I can make a difference – I can do something to change my world.”

400 saplings – well worth the time and energy…

165 Kenyan students receiving new hope – well worth the investment!

“Plant a Tree in whose shade you do not expect to sit.”