Mama Doing Good and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on a landmark initiative to plant 500 million trees by 2032.
This ambitious project supports the national goal of increasing Kenya’s tree cover from 12.13% to 30% and aligns with the First Lady’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy that aim to grow 500 million trees by 2032.
The partnership leverages KNUT’s extensive network of over 400,000 teachers and 18 million students across nearly 34,000 public schools. KNUT will play a crucial role in mobilizing teachers, students, non-teaching staff, and school communities to participate in the tree-planting initiative and promote environmental awareness.
Mama Doing Good will provide resources and support for the project, including the promotion of the First Lady’s Mazingira Awards (FLAMA), a national environment and climate change challenge for learners.
“This partnership marks a significant step towards achieving our shared vision of a greener Kenya,” said Mrs. Elizabeth Koskei, Chief Executive Officer of Mama Doing Good. “By working together, we can empower the next generation of environmental stewards and make a lasting impact on our country’s landscape.”
Mr. Collins Oyuu, Secretary General of KNUT, added, “KNUT is proud to partner with Mama Doing Good on this vital initiative. Our teachers and students are eager to contribute to this important national goal, and we believe this collaboration will have a transformative effect on environmental conservation in Kenya.”
“This partnership between Mama Doing Good and KNUT is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration,” said Mr. Arnold Kipchumba, Director, Environment and Climate Action, Mama Doing Good.
Adding “By unlocking the immense potential of teachers and learners, we are not only driving environmental restoration but also contributing to food security and economic resilience for schools and local communities. Together, we are equipping our students to become champions of sustainability while fostering greener schools and communities that support the well-being of generations to come.”
The MOU outlines a three-year plan with clear roles and responsibilities for both organizations, including monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the project’s success.
The collaboration also includes initiatives to enhance the financial literacy of teachers through Mama Doing Good’s Joyful Women Organisation table banking model.
