Arboreta for Schools – Mali

The Arboreta for Schools Project trains school teachers in tree production and management and in turn this knowledge is taught to the school children with the aim of supplying them with the knowledge they need to manage their forestry resources and trees in the future.

pupil

Trees are planted in the school grounds to form a mini-arboretum to allow the pupils from years 1-8 to follow and understand the  growth of different tree species that are very valuable to them. Tree Species like Zizyphus, Mango, Tamarind, Baobab are grown because they are native and important to the biodiversity of the area. The pupils learn about the different illnesses and pests and how to prevent and treat them, the species of trees producing the types of wood needed for daily life (firewood, tools, bowls, house staircases) and the children learn about the importance of preserving the forest environment.

 

Jardin botanique Intemini pupils

Thanks to our partner Joliba, there are now 8 Schools in Mali who have their own mini arboreta. 627 pupils are involved with the activities of tree planting in the arboreta, of which almost half are girls. The children have learnt important techniques like pre -treatment of seeds, sowing seeds, monitoring, and planting out.