22 September 2010

The Arbor month was a month of imparting knowledge even to our future generations. Food and Trees for Africa and Audi South Africa planted 100 trees at Bokgoni Technical High School in Pretoria, Attridgeville. “This is very important. Our childred need to be taught about the importance of planting trees. If we can start this awareness in this level, then we are sure of getting everyone involved in our fight against global warming.” Said Solomon Mondlane, FTFA Community Forester.

The event was organised for the 22^nd September 2010. It was attended by the Principal of the school, Mr. Tomothy Mathopa and the Tshwane representative, Mrs. Samkelisiwe Chunda.

“We want to believe that you will take care of this trees. This is your planet and you are the generation that must be more protective to it. Love your trees; water your trees and make sure that no cut them down.” Said Mrs. Chunda.

“Thank you FTFA and Audi South Africa for thinking of us. It is our main priority as a school to promote awareness about the environment. Our learners are aware of this “animal” called, Global Warming and its negative effects in our lives.” Said the Principal.

The event went very well with the principal planting the fisrt indigenous tree in the middle of the school yard. The learners sang “Audi and FTFA” around the tree. The tree was named after the principal.

The grade 11s and 12s were the one helpind with the planting of the trees, and we also had 5 goundsmen and two volunteers who responded to the facebook invitation. The planting process took the whole day.

Arbor Tree Distribution Event (06-09-2010)

Food & Trees for Africa celebrates Arbor month this September 2010. Our celebrations started on the first day of spring, 01 September 2010 by distributing 500 trees in the Community of Olievenhoutbosch. The celebration of the arbor month has continued up until the 06^th September 2010 with another distribution of 250 indigenous and 250 fruit trees distributed in the Community of Olievenhoutbosch.

The 06^th September 2010 was yet another beautiful green day of Olievenhoutbosch. Audi South Africa sponsored FTFA’s Trees for Home programme with another 500 trees. This event was well organised by Food & Trees for Africa.

More than 500 residents attended the distribution event in a colourful day. The programme started with Solomon Mondlaane introducing his team members. Amongst them were Mr. Sipho Mathe a Senior Community Forester and the Community Based Educators. Noted was the representative of the Tshwaane Municipality Mrs. Sam Chunda.

The arbor month is a well established greening initiative which promote and create a better life for the citizens of our country, focussing on tree planting and the benefits thereof. Our target as FTFA are poor communities, who really appreciaates the trees donated to them.

Mr. Mathe took over as a Programme Director for the Day. He introduced the CBE, Ntombixolo Poni who welcomed everyone to the event. “FTFA is like a close friend to this community, and Audi is like the chief”. Said Ntombixolo in her 5 minute speech. She advised the community to look after their trees, so that they can take care of them in return.

Mrs. Chunda was also introduced to the residents as the guest speaker, “I’m speechless.” Said Mrs. Chunda. “The work FTFA and Audi are doing is marvelous. We need more of this from Audi and FTFA. Let us support them fully and make sure we take care of our trees.” Continued Mrs. Chunda.

Ntomboxolo was given another chance to thank the community for responding to the invitations. Mr. Solomon Mondlane did the tree planting demonstration. After that, the people were given a tree to take home. Everyone was happy at the end of the event. “I really like trees, and here in the city they are very expensive. FTFA and Audi are doing a great job. Keep it up!”