Kabarak University has partnered with a women’s football team from Mogotio, known as the Kimose Grannies, to plant over 700 trees at Emining Special School for the Visually Impaired. This initiative was part of the activities marking Mazingira Day, a day dedicated to environmental conservation and community engagement. The event brought together university representatives, members of the football team, and pupils at the school. The tree-planting exercise aimed to improve the learning environment while encouraging a culture of environmental responsibility.
The tree-planting exercise was conducted around the school compound. The participants included the school's headteacher, Caroline Kiprop, who recently received an award for school leadership and excellence. She expressed gratitude to Kabarak University and the football team for their support and participation in the exercise. The trees, she noted, would provide shade, improve the school’s surroundings, and contribute to a healthier environment as they mature.
Beyond the tree-planting exercise, the visit included general cleaning of the school compound, cooking and sharing meals with the pupils, as well as entertainment and social interaction. These activities allowed the visitors to spend time with the learners and make them feel appreciated, cared for, and included in the wider community. The partnership created an opportunity for the pupils to interact with visitors outside their usual school environment.
Helen Kaprotin, captain of the Kimose Grannies football team, emphasized that the group, whose members are women aged above 50, was committed to keeping physically active while contributing to community initiatives. The team’s activities reflect their belief that community participation and care for others should go hand in hand. Kaprotin added that children with disabilities need love, support, and meaningful involvement from members of the community.
Kabarak University representative Rodel Chemoiywa stated that the institution intended to sustain the annual visits because of the positive impact the initiative had made at the school. The university would continue following the environmental conservation principles associated with the late President Daniel arap Moi, who championed tree planting and environmental protection. The call to cut one tree and plant two was among the principles highlighted during the initiative.
The partnership between Kabarak University, the Kimose Grannies football team, and Emining Special School for the Visually Impaired underscored the importance of collaborations between educational institutions, community groups, and schools in promoting environmental conservation. The initiative also ensured that children with special needs feel valued and included in the community. The event demonstrated the value of community engagement and social responsibility.
The Mazingira Day activities at Emining Special School for the Visually Impaired highlighted the impact that collective efforts can have on environmental conservation and community development. The tree-planting exercise and other activities conducted during the visit showcased the commitment of the partners to making a positive difference in the lives of children with special needs and in the environment.
Key points
- Kabarak University and the Kimose Grannies football team partnered to plant 700 trees at Emining Special School for the Visually Impaired.
- The initiative aimed to promote environmental conservation and community engagement.
- The partnership highlighted the importance of collaborations between educational institutions, community groups, and schools in promoting environmental conservation and supporting vulnerable members of society.
