Thank you for your support! You helped provide funding for 25,000 trees, and in the end, because we were able to obtain additional seeds at no additional cost, almost 33,000 trees were raised in the 2 nurseries. The Kasala nursery had over 20,000 trees and the Ddundu nursery had over 12,000 trees. The trees were planted in our youth farm, at schools, health centres, community centres, plus the homes and farms of community members and youth participants. Some of the trees will be sold, with the proceeds going to a sustainability account to be used for Phase 2 of the project.
On behalf of Beacon of Hope Uganda, and Mukono community, I say thank you. — From project leader Isaac Ssamba
The ten trees that were planted in Uganda on your behalf will help to:
1) Fight deforestation
While 24% of the total land area of the country is covered in forests, on average, 90,000 hectares is lost each year for urbanization and agricultural use; a startling fact considering that only 4 million hectares remain.
2) Reverse soil erosion
Trees promote healthy soil and will bring back much needed nutrients (by falling leaf litter) in order for the land to produce abundant crops. They will also restore moisture to the soil by returning ground water to the surface.
3) Create employment opportunities
The sale of fruit, seeds, nuts, and oils will provide additional income to the families within the community which can be used to purchase school uniforms and supplies.
4) Educate locals
The local youth and their families will be educated on the importance of planting trees and what it will mean for their families. They are also made aware of the importance of sustainability, alternative energy and respect for the earth. Through the 4HM Youth Development program, youth are positively influenced to become lifelong environmental stewards.
5) Feed a nation
The fruit, nuts, and seeds from the trees that are planted will help to provide nutrition to youth and their families.
6) Create medicine
Along with the air that will be cleaned by the trees, some of the fruit, flowers, and leaves from the trees will be used for the purposes of increased health.
7) Boost entrepreneurship
The families will be able to create a surplus of fruit, seeds, nectar, or dried fruit to be sold in the market or to manufacturers for additional income, creating and sustaining their own micro- enterprises.
8) Heating, food, and housing and housing
The trees provide resources for many other uses, such as building material, fodder for animals, fuel for fire.
9) Provide sustainability
A portion of the trees that are planted are for human use and long-term sustainability. As the trees grown, locals have increased access to natural resources that can be used to their everyday needs.
10) Help to establish reliable partners
Beacon of Hope Uganda’s mission is to provide resources to achieve sustainable development in under-resourced areas through effective community education and the development of projects, creating a self-supporting, self-sustaining community.
