Hand in Hand

Nov 23, 2011

Although that is extremely important, trees are useful for many other things such as building material, shade, food, and some trees even expel surplus moisture from their roots for the benefits of local vegetation.

Global warming has such a destructive effect on the environment, and over the years the number of trees has been rapidly decreasing due to a various number of problems. Every year, South Africans participate in National Arbor Week. This is a very important event as it serves to promote awareness for the need to plant Indigenous trees throughout the country. In a few areas, there is just a natural lack of foliage, and some of these places are the local surrounding communities of Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Phinda has quite a strong relationship with the communities, and in fact most of the staff hired are locals. Managers have been wondering what to do for the local people during Arbor Week ... The answer was simple, plant trees.

After the idea was planted, it grew like a seed. Phinda went ahead and bought 30 trees. The idea was that the trees would be loved and cared for by the children, provide shade, and would last for years and years to come.

Three schools that were in desperate need of trees were chosen. Mdinwa Primary School was the worst, having little to no trees at all. Summers in Zululand can soar to heights of 45 degrees celcius plus, and for children who are so active outside, shade is vital. The Phinda soccer team, managers and others gathered and went along to the schools to help plant the new saplings. The first to receive their saplings were Mdinwa. Holes were dug, smiles were given, and laughter was heard while the planting was happening, and in the end the school was left with their 14 new trees to nurture and grow.

Next, 6 trees were planted with care at Qhubekani Crèche. The children were so thankful towards the Phinda staff for their new little saplings. After all the hard work was done, the staff laughed and played with some of the little ones while other children sang their appreciation. There is nothing sweeter than the sound of a child’s voice, especially when singing with love and emotion.

Lastly, but certainly not least, the staff from Phinda Private Game Reserve went to Khulani Special Needs School. This school in particular has a special place in many Phinda staff’s hearts as most of the children have been abandoned and cannot fend for themselves. The teachers and carers take care of all the children’s needs and Phinda has been involved in many a charitable venture with the school. 10 new saplings were planted for the children and helpers alike. Seeing the happiness on the little faces for something as simple as a tree really makes one realise how important it is to help one another. The three schools will now have shade during the hot summer days, a place for the kids to play during break times and most importantly, each child will be involved in the care and nurture of the trees and are doing their bit hand in hand with Phinda Private Game Reserve to combat the effects of global warming.