Barloworld South Africa was delighted to join forces with Food & Trees for Africa(FTFA) in helping to green under resourced primary schools in Gauteng. All together 11 primary schools across Katlehong, Vosloruus, Tembisa and Soweto were selected to take part with a total of 333 trees donated by Barloworld to FTFAs Trees for All programme.

On Friday 21 October, the planting of 20 trees at Busiswe Lower Primary School in Soweto took place. Nolundi Ningi from Barloworld South Africa was there along with Jeminah Mkhize from FTFA. Ningi was delighted that preparation at the school the day before allowed the event to go off on time with much excitement as the school children used a variety of activities to welcome them. But the best was yet to come. Ningi describes how “it was outstanding when we actually went to plant the trees, Jeminah explained to them the type of trees planted, how to plant and take care of them.” Furthermore, it was a truly educational process for the learners as they participated in the planting process along with their educators.

Ningi explained to those present that Barloworld was participating in the planting as they selected Busiswe Lower Primary School as the beneficiary of the trees, and wanted to see the trees in their new home. The school children were delighted and asked that they come again next year. Programmes such as this one, implemented with the vital funding of Barloworld, make all the difference in changing the everyday lives of primary school children. The trees not only provide shade for the learners during their breaks but also act as wind breaks, turning a dusty playground into a delightful place of rest and play.

FTFA was delighted with the event and looks forward to hopefully working with Barloworld next year again to make the learners wishes come true.