This year’s World Environment Day celebrated under the theme "Our Land, Our Future" brought a wave of enthusiasm and action at AKU Tanzania. The focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience inspired a series of impactful events that united the AKU community in a shared mission to protect and nurture the environment.
The day began with a sensitization session at Jangwani Primary School, where teachers and students gathered to discuss the importance of environmental conservation. The conversations were lively and engaging, sparking curiosity and a sense of responsibility among the young participants. A drawing competition allowed students to visually express their ideas, and Mary Agnes, a form two student, won with her design of the world in two halves. Her drawing vividly portrayed the contrast between the benefits of good environmental practices and the dire consequences of neglecting the environment and its outcomes.
Later in the afternoon, the students and AKU’s environment club planted trees around the school.
Meanwhile, happening concurrently at the Aga Khan Hospital, more than 15 students, faculty and staff worked together to plant a micro-forest which will have over 90 indigenous trees, including aloe vera, orange, lemon and lemongrass.
The rest of the AKU community virtually participated in the webinar "Partnerships and Innovations for Land and Climate Resilience" hosted by AKU’s Environment Office. This virtual space was filled with engaging discussions from various AKU and AKDN network speakers. Participants learned about the role of land as living laboratories, the value of comprehensive land assessments, and innovative approaches such as Moringa plantations. The session emphasized the value of collaboration and innovative solutions in tackling environmental issues.
As the day drew to a close, the community gathered for a screening of the film "When the Floods Come: Voices from the Roof of the World " which explores the human impact of Pakistan’s historic 2022 floods. The film, which is an episode in the Voices of the World documentary series, depicted the harsh realities of climate change on vulnerable communities. A lively discussion ensued, during which students shared their reflections and brainstormed actionable steps to combat climate change.
The World Environment Day celebrations at AKU Tanzania represented the vital significance of environmental stewardship, and they went beyond simple celebrations of environmental awareness. AKU remains committed to advocating for collective action, highlighting how united efforts can protect our planet for future generations.
