Selected schools in Zambia and the United Kingdom on Tuesday joined Commonwealth member states in planting tiny forests in recognition of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Coventry’s Moseley Primary School supported by pupils from Finham Park 2, Corpus Christi, Riverbank Academy, Earlsdon Primary School and Coundon Court planted 600 trees in honour of Zambia, while Kafue day Secondary School for boys and girls, Mutendere Combined primary school, Holy Saviour Community School, Naboye Secondary School, Kaseba primary School and Kasenje primary school in Zambia also planted trees in their respective schools.
The six schools in the UK and the Zambian schools are working in partnership on a Commonwealth Connections project sponsored by the British Council, the Youth Sport Trust and Birmingham Education Partnership.
And speaking at the tree planting event at Moseley Primary School that was graced by the Lord Mayor of the City of Coventry, Councillor John McNicholas, hailed the occasion that saw the planting of the tiny forest in honour of Zambia as a symbol of friendship between the United Kingdom and Zambia.
“We are delighted that in planting the forest, we will be celebrating the people and country of Zambia, which has been partnered with city schools through the Games. This little forest will be a symbol of our friendship and of the great summer of sport we have ahead of us,” he said.
The Lord Mayor said Coventry is a city dedicated to fighting climate change and urged schools in Zambia to plant more trees in order to improve air quality, prevent flooding and improve the quality of life for all.
Meanwhile Earlsdon Primary School Deputy Head Rebecca Bollands said, she was delighted to be hosting a Severn Trent Tiny Forest, powered by Earthwatch, planted in recognition of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“These super tiny, super powerful forests are two of 72 planted to celebrate the Games and to leave a lasting legacy, that will bring green spaces to urban areas across the West Midlands/Region. This amazing gift to our community has been made possible by the partnership between Severn Trent and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” she said.
The tree planting event was attended by staff from the Zambia High Commission London and Zambians in the diaspora. The tree planting is among several activities lined up for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games slated for July 28th to August 8th, 2022.
This is contained in a statement issued by Abigail Chaponda First Secretary for Press and Public Relations Zambia High Commission in the United Kingdom.
