Seven schools in the Hardap Region are set to strengthen their environmental education and tree-planting activities following the handover of gardening equipment sponsored by Swakop Uranium in commemoration of National Arbor Day 2026.
The handover was held under the theme "Towards 1 Million Trees by 2030: Plant Today, Breathe Tomorrow", highlighting the importance of tree-planting and environmental preservation.
The beneficiary schools are Rehoboth High School, Origo Primary School, St. Joseph's Primary School, M & K Gertze High School, Dr. Lemmer Secondary School, ||Anes Secondary School in Rehoboth and DD Guibeb Primary School in Mariental.
The equipment includes wheelbarrows, hosepipes, watering cans, shovels, rakes and picks, intended to support learners and schools in maintaining gardens and caring for newly planted trees.
Speaking on behalf of Rehoboth Mayor Jacky ǂKhariseb, the Town Council Management Committee Chairperson Gaob Kawango said a tree is a source of life that supports biodiversity.
Swakop Uranium Executive Vice President Irvinne Simataa described the donated equipment as tools for action, encouraging learners to make full use of the resources and take responsibility for protecting the environment.
"By preserving seeds and protecting rare and important plant species, we are helping to show that the future generations have access to this national heritage. This work also has a practical value for environmental rehabilitation activities, where indigenous plant species and locally adapted genetic material will be important."
Simataa said the company had invested N$6.5 million in initiatives supporting environmental activities and development.
Meanwhile, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel stressed that protecting existing trees is just as important as planting new ones.
"A tree teaches patience and responsibility. It depends on you after planting it. The trees you plant today will serve children who are not yet even born – that is your duty to future generations that you can start fulfilling right now and cascade it to many, many generations to come."
Daniel also highlighted the importance of water management in sustaining planted trees and announced a donation of 500 seedlings to the Hardap region.
A tree planted today will not only provide oxygen and shade in the foreseeable future, but it will also improve the environment and benefit generations to come. Through initiatives such as this school gardening equipment handover, Namibia is investing not only in greener schools but also in cultivating a generation that understands the value of protecting nature. As the theme reminds us: "Plant Today, Breathe Tomorrow."