I&M partners with MITI alliance to support schools greening programme
The I&M Foundation has partnered with Miti Alliance on a Schools Greening project in ten public primary schools located in Kiambu County.
The project is being implemented in ACK Karura, Gikambura, Kamangu, Kanjeru, Karura Ka Nyungu, Nachu, Njumbi, Riu Nderi, Thirime, and Thogoto Model Primary Schools.
The endeavour will focus on empowering and equipping 4,000 school-going children with knowledge, skills, and understanding of climate change issues with a target of growing one hundred high-value trees per school, specifically fruit and indigenous trees, which are well adapted to their environment and are integral to the function of an area's ecosystem.
Commenting on the programme, James Gatere, the Head of I&M Foundation noted, "Cultivating a sustainable future begins with nurturing young minds, just as from a seed, a mighty tree grows. The resolute dedication of the I&M Foundation to the Schools Greening Program represents a valuable investment in both environmental sustainability and the education of the Earth's future custodians.”
He added, “In addition to supporting the growing of trees, I&M Foundation through this partnership, is inculcating a culture of tree growing in the learners which would enable them to thrive as environmental champions in future.”
The Programme entails creating arboretum spaces (a garden where many different types of trees are grown) in the schools by engaging learners in environmental awareness programs over a period of two years. To support the tree-growing initiative, the I&M Foundation also donated 10,000 litre water tanks to each school complete with piping, and guttering. They also sponsored the construction of stands for the tanks.
Michael Waiyaki, the CEO of Miti Alliance said the programme will also educate youths on the role that indigenous species, soil and water play in combating the climate crisis.
"Inspiring the youth to nurture their connection with nature and their communities stands at the heart of our mission. With the collaborative support of the I&M Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation with essential environmental awareness, a fundamental tool in our collective effort to effectively combat climate change," emphasized Waiyaki.
At a handover ceremony for one of the water tanks, the Chair of the Board of Management of Riu Nderi Primary School Canon Muriu said “We appreciate the great and noble gesture by the I&M Foundation and Miti Alliance who presented to the school a 10,000 litre water tank on top of a previous donation of trees and planting exercise of the same”.
He added, “We look forward to sustaining this great relationship and pray that the partnership grows to higher levels.”
Environmental Conservation and Education are two of I&M Foundation's pillars, primarily achieved through implementing partners to instill the values of conservation and sustainable natural resource management within communities neighboring educational institutions. The Foundation's primary beneficiaries are children and youth within these learning institutions, with a core objective of encouraging and fostering conservation practices and the sustainable utilization of natural resources.
Notes to the editor
About MITI Alliance
Miti Alliance is a registered social enterprise in Kenya whose work is focused on Environmental Education through empowering and equipping the current and next generation of conservationists. Miti Schools Program focuses on empowering and equipping school-going children with knowledge, skills and understanding of climate change issues with a bias to planting and growing trees, specifically fruit and indigenous trees.
About I&M Foundation - Learning. Growing. Thriving.
The I&M Foundation spearheads the Shared Value Agenda for I&M Bank to deliver positive impact to society and is charged with the responsibility of delivering social investment programs. The Foundation focuses on key strategic thematic areas namely: Environmental conservation, where we preserve, protect, and restore the environment and promote sustainable use of ecosystems; Education and skills development, where we enhance education outcomes and value-addition lifeskills that ensure inclusive and equitable quality education; Economic empowerment, where we promote sustainable economic growth and transform livelihoods; and Enabling giving, where we strengthen partnerships for sustainable community development.
ABOUT I&M GROUP
I&M Group is a leading financial services group in East Africa, with a major presence in Banking, Insurance and Real Estate. The Group offers a full range of personal, business, and alternate banking channels through its presence in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Uganda.
I&M Bank Kenya, I&M Holding’s flagship entity, was incorporated in the Republic of Kenya on 14th May 1974 under the name Investments & Mortgages Limited. I&M Group Plc operates in five countries – Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Mauritius through its subsidiaries, affiliates, and joint venture investments in each of these countries. Approximately 80% of I&M Holdings Plc’s asset value stems from our Kenyan operations with the largest entity by asset value being I&M Bank LIMITED.
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