Miracle Corners Rwanda (MCR), in collaboration with Bugesera District, launched a seven-day initiative in Rweru Sector that will see at least 20,000 trees of different species planted.

MCR is a non-profit organization that operates in Nyamata, Bugesera District and it is an affiliate of the Miracle Corners of the World (MCW Global) based in New York City. 

In line with the national theme for the tree planting season dubbed; 'Forests for Community Livelihood and Sustainable Development,' MCR launched an activity to plant 20,000 trees in the cells of Nkanga and Batima in Rweru. 

The campaign was started as a way to preserve the environment and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters that often affects this part of Bugesera, often attributed to deforestation.

During the seven-day campaign that was launched on December 10, two categories of trees will be planted including over 16 000 agroforestry trees and more than 6,000 fruit trees.

This initiative was funded by MCW Global.

"The agroforestry trees will be planted near the Nkanga and Batima buffer zones, while the fruit trees will be planted in people’s agriculture fields," said Adrien Bizimana, the Programme Officer for MCR. 

"The initiative intends to enforce environmental protection because there are many incidents during the rainy seasons attributable to lack of trees," he added. "These plants will reduce the effects of climate change, and households will benefit immensely from the fruit trees."

More than 2,000 families in the two cells received fruit trees to plant. Each family will receive five types of trees including mangoes, tamarillos, guavas, oranges, and other fruit trees.

"We hope for the best. This initiative will hopefully bring a sigh of relief. These Grevillea trees will provide fresh air, more crops will be cultivated, and more fruits will be available for our children and us," said Dative Mukantabana, a mother from Nkaga cell who is among the beneficiaries. 

Several local leaders attended the campaign launch, including Jean Damascene Sinjyenibo, the Director of Agriculture in Bugesera and John Gasana, the Director of the Joint Action Development Forum in the district.

"This will help mitigate the effects of climate change and increase the number of fruits available for consumption in the community," said Sinjyenibo, adding, "this part of Bugesera is prone to many climate change effects like drought and flooding which destroy the crops. Planting these trees will prevent soil erosion and improve crop productivity."

Sinjyenibo, who represented the district mayor also expressed gratitude to MCW Global for the funds provided to facilitate the activity, describing it as a fantastic initiative that he said will help improve livelihoods of more than 2,000 residents.

Emmanuel Nsengimana, the head of Kivusha village in Nkanga cell, told The New Times  Rweru was chosen because there was a great need for trees to be planted around the Nkanga-Batima buffer zone as a result of natural disasters that previously wreaked havoc on the residents and their agricultural production.

"Climate change has a significant impact on the residents of Rweru, which is why we felt it as a necessity to plant trees in this region of Bugesera," said Bizimana from MCR. 

Speaking at the launch, Olive Safari, the MCR Country Manager said: "We as MCR implement this initiative on behalf of MCW, we are super excited about our role as an INGO not only contributing to the national commitment towards environmental conservation but also changing lives in the community that we are serving.

'We are happy that a great number of residents have joined us in this effort. This promotes community involvement and ownership in environmental conservation and restoring their small farmlands for better productivity, impact, and sustainability," she added.

She encouraged the residents who received fruit trees to take a large portion of the fruits as soon as they are ready, rather than planning to sell them. This will increase their well-being, implying food security and nutrition for their families.

About MCR 

Like its parent organization, Miracle Corners Rwanda strives to empower communities worldwide to achieve greater levels of education, improved health, and increased economic security.

MCR, which first opened its doors in Rwanda in August 2011, operates a youth centre in Nyamata town in Bugesera and it offers skills development programs that are accredited under TVET.

About 100 students enroll for six-month short courses every year, and the Youth Centre acts as a resource hub for the community members.