On November 6th, the government of Kenya made an unprecedented announcement: November 13th would be a national day off, dedicated to planting trees. The call echoed from bustling cities to rural landscapes, as citizens eagerly prepared for a collective effort to combat climate change.

With a resolute tone, the President decreed a simple yet powerful message: each person was to plant two trees. It wasn’t just a day off; it was a patriotic contribution, a tangible act of love for the land and a united front against the looming threat of climate change.

Kenya, with a current forest cover of merely 7%, was determined to rewrite its ecological destiny. The government earmarked over $80 million this fiscal year, vowing to increase tree cover to more than 10% by 2032. The urgency stemmed from the profound understanding that trees were nature’s carbon vaults, essential in curbing global warming.

As the nation rallied for action, the interconnectedness of trees, carbon, and climate became a rallying cry. Deforestation, the archenemy, was exposed for its role in disrupting the delicate balance. The very act of chopping down trees halted the photosynthesis process, leaving carbon unchecked in the atmosphere. It was a destructive symphony, often accompanied by burning, releasing torrents of carbon dioxide into the air.

The harsh reality of climate change had already taken a toll on Kenya, as droughts tightened their grip. Rain had become a distant memory, absent for five consecutive seasons. In the face of this crisis, Environment Minister Soipan Tuya urged Kenyans to stand in solidarity, describing the day as a ‘hummingbird’ contribution—a collective effort to quell the climate change storm.

With less than a week’s notice, a beacon of support emerged. The Grand Circle Foundation, recognizing the significance of the moment, swiftly committed to aiding Kenyan schools in purchasing and planting trees. Our focus extended beyond the immediate. We are in the first week of constructing a new boys dormitory at Lemongo and Panian Keembu, our dedicated contractor, leapt at the chance to be part of this environmental revolution. He helped purchase 600 trees AND sourced 500 tree seedlings from the Amboseli Ecosystem trust and then delivered all seedlings to 3 schools, (Lemongo, Amboseli and Olmoti Primary School) in time for Monday. Each school planted over 350 trees each.

The nation, once paralyzed by the looming threat of climate change, now stood united. November 13th wasn’t just a holiday; it was a turning point, a day engraved in the collective memory of Kenyans as they planted seeds of hope for a greener, sustainable future.

Our thanks to our travelers who continue to travel with Overseas Adventure Travel and donate funds to Grand Circle Foundation. Projects like this are made possible because of your continued generosity.