Alon Shina of African Designs started an initiative in 2008 to contribute to a tree as a gift for each customer who purchased their beautiful jewellery and has been planting trees through FTFAs Trees for All programme ever since, 260 trees to date. Each customer receives an Alon Shina branded tree certificate to acknowledge their purchase.
160 trees sponsored in this way over the past year went to the following beneficiaries, J Life Youth Ministries in Mpumalanga, Ukhamba Craft Centre in Kwa Zulu Natal, Borume Primary School in Limpopo and De Deur Youth Centre in Gauteng. J Life Ministries is an NGO which has its focus on the youth. Young individuals from disadvantaged communities from all over Africa receive training in life orientation. They in turn, return to the schools in their communities and teach what they have learnt. J Life provides good meals as well as an environment conducive to learning. J Life planted their 20 indigenous trees around the premises making it more aesthetically pleasing.
Ukhamba Craft Centre in Hillcrest, is an organization that encourages and empowers the local people to use their creative talent to earn money. Ukhamba Craft Centre has donors who donate the resources needed to create the crafts. As African Designs is responsible for producing beautiful creations, this was an extremely appropriate beneficiary. The 20 indigenous trees donated to them by Alon Shina have been planted around the premises. The hope is that once the trees have grown, classes will be held in the cool and tranquil environment under the trees.
Borume Primary School received 40 indigenous trees. These trees were planted around the buildings and the soccer field. The trees will assist with the soil erosion problems as well as provide shade for the learners in the summer. Mrs Ramokgopa, an educator from the school said “Our whole school has changed in appearance since we got the trees, thank you!”
The De Deur Youth Centre held an environmental campaign where the youth decided it was time they educate their peers on how they can help save our planet. The day was held at their centre in De Deur with a good attendance. The youths all planted the trees together around the community and have committed to care for the trees themselves. Fatima Moekena, one of the parents of a youth member said, “I am encouraged by my own child to make an effort to save our planet.”
Alon Shina continues to create environmental awareness as well as contribute to a healthier, more carbon free South Africa by generously donating 20 trees at a time, in disadvantaged areas.
