On the 24th of October, 2024, Youth Future Lab held a community-driven tree planting event at Gatumbi Adventist Primary and Junior Secondary School. This impactful day brought together community members, teachers, non-teaching staff, and the Youth Future Lab team, underscoring the organization’s commitment to environmental action and digital literacy. As a key player in climate change mitigation, Youth Future Lab has taken proactive steps to educate the younger generation and instill practical skills that align with its goals of fostering ecological responsibility and enhancing digital competence among learners.
The event was marked by the planting of two hundred avocado trees, carefully selected for their resilience and environmental benefits. By planting avocado trees, Youth Future Lab aims to make a meaningful contribution to the ecosystem, as these trees not only provide shade and improve air quality but also have the potential to contribute to future food security for the school and the wider community.
A Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
The day was marked by a shared dedication to environmental action, a pivotal sector in Youth Future Lab’s mission. Volunteers and participants took part in the planting process with enthusiasm and care. Recognizing the importance of practical knowledge in ensuring these trees’ survival, a student was invited to give a hands-on demonstration on best planting practices. The step-by-step demonstration covered essential techniques for ensuring tree health and longevity, emphasizing correct planting depth, watering, and soil coverage. This instructional session was valuable not only for students but also for community members, as it bolstered collective knowledge and understanding of sustainable planting methods.
“Planting trees is more than an act of greenery; it is a statement that we are committed to protecting our planet’s future,” said Fredrick Kioko, Youth Future Lab’s Environmental Action Manager. “Today’s efforts remind us that we all have a role to play in climate action, and together, we can make a lasting impact.”
The school principal also spoke about the initiative, sharing, “This is more than just a tree-planting exercise. It’s a chance for our students to actively participate in preserving their environment and learning skills they can pass on. We’re grateful to Youth Future Lab for bringing this opportunity to our school.”
Digital Literacy: Empowering the Next Generation
In addition to its environmental focus, Youth Future Lab introduced a digital literacy program, aligning with its broader objective of bridging the digital divide in under-resourced communities. As part of this initiative, students were introduced to Kutambua.com, an e-learning platform developed by Youth Future Lab to offer diverse courses tailored to empower students with essential digital skills. These courses range from foundational computer literacy to specialized subjects like journalism, ICT, and driving theory. Students were registered on the platform, gaining access to resources that are designed to prepare them for the demands of the modern, competitive world.
“Kutambua.com gives students the tools they need to navigate today’s digital world confidently,” noted Ochieng Awino, the Communication and Marketing Manager of Youth Future Lab. “We believe that digital literacy is key to unlocking students’ potential, and we are committed to making these resources accessible to every learner we reach.”
Fostering Practical Environmental Knowledge
Highlighting the event’s holistic approach to environmental education, the tree planting session incorporated a knowledge-sharing activity where learners, guided by Youth Future Lab’s staff, learned about the different stages of tree planting. One student illustrated the planting process from start to finish, covering crucial steps to ensure the trees’ best chance of survival. This hands-on approach emphasized the importance of attention to detail, patience, and responsibility—qualities that mirror Youth Future Lab’s broader values of personal and environmental stewardship.
A community member present at the event remarked, “It’s wonderful to see these young people learning how to care for the environment in such practical ways. They are learning how to plant and care for these trees, which are an asset to our community and future generations.”
Community Engagement and Impact
The success of the event can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of Youth Future Lab, Gatumbi Adventist School’s teaching and non-teaching staff, and local community members. Their combined support and enthusiasm not only made the event a memorable one but also reinforced the message that climate action and digital inclusion go hand-in-hand in fostering sustainable growth and future resilience. Through this initiative, Youth Future Lab has inspired the school community to take ownership of their role in protecting the environment and equipping students with vital 21st-century skills.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable and Digitally Inclusive Future
Youth Future Lab’s recent activities at Gatumbi Adventist Primary and Junior Secondary School showcase a comprehensive approach to community upliftment through environmental and educational programs. By intertwining climate change mitigation efforts with digital literacy training, Youth Future Lab is paving the way for a generation that is both environmentally conscious and digitally proficient. This dual approach empowers students to act as responsible custodians of the environment while building the competencies necessary to thrive in today’s digital world.
As Youth Future Lab continues its mission, events like these reflect its dedication to fostering a more inclusive, knowledgeable, and resilient community. With every tree planted and every learner registered on Kutambua.com, the organization moves one step closer to realizing its vision of a digitally inclusive and environmentally sustainable future.
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