In commemoration of World Earth Day, Ungweru Organisation hosted an engaging and educational event at its secretariat, bringing together staff, students from its Lusekelo School of ICT and Tailoring, and members of nearby communities. The event, held on April 22nd, featured a series of activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices, including drama performances, tree planting, poetry recitals, and an exhibition of upcycled plastic decorations.
The event began with an opening speech from Ungweru’s Executive Director, Mr. Samuel Phiri, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to environmental conservation.
“Today, as we gather to celebrate World Earth Day, we stand united in our commitment to a shared cause—a
healthier, more sustainable planet”, Phiri said. “This year’s Earth Day theme, “Restore, Renew, and Thrive,” reminds us of our immense responsibility—not only to repair the damages inflicted upon our ecosystems but also to nurture them in ways that sustain future generations“.
Find the Executive Director’s speech by clicking the following link: https://www.ungweru.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Executive-Director-World-Earth-Day-Speech_094646.pdf
Mr Phiri thanked attendees for their participation and encouraged them to take the lessons learned beyond the event, integrating eco-friendly habits into their daily lives.
Students from Ungweru’s Lusekelo School of ICT and Tailoring took center stage with a series of performances designed to highlight environmental issues. A powerful drama play depicted the consequences of deforestation and pollution, while stirring poems and songs emphasized the importance of conservation. The performances not only entertained but also educated the audience on practical ways to reduce waste and protect natural resources.
One of the highlights of the event was an exhibition showcasing decorative artworks made entirely from recycled plastics, including bottle tops and used bottles. The display demonstrated how waste materials can be transformed into beautiful and functional items, reducing plastic pollution in communities.
The event culminated in a tree-planting exercise at Ungweru’s greenhouse area, where five trees were planted as a symbolic gesture of growth and sustainability. As each tree was placed into the soil, a heartfelt prayer was offered, blessing the trees and expressing gratitude for nature’s gifts.
A key interactive segment of the event was the pledge board, where participants wrote down personal commitments to environmental protection. Messages ranged from “I will plant 200 trees this year” to “I pledge to stop using single-use plastics” and “I will educate my family on recycling.”
“This board is more than just words—it’s a promise to take action,” said one attendee. “Seeing everyone’s pledges inspires me to do more for our planet
Patricia Nyirenda, Ungweru’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Coordinator and one of the event’s facilitators, closed the engagement with a call to action.
“Today’s activities were just the beginning,” Nyirenda said. “Let us carry this momentum forward by adopting sustainable practices in our homes, schools, and workplaces. Together, we can make a lasting impact.”
The event not only celebrated World Earth Day but also reinforced the importance of community involvement in environmental protection. Ungweru Organisation remains dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability through education, innovation, and collective action.
