Schools around the country have been urged to introduce a one-tree-per-child policy as a way of involving school-going children in environmental conservation.

The call was made by the State Minister in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Mathias Harebamungu.

"We want all the school heads, be it in primary or secondary schools, to introduce this policy in their respective schools so as to involve them directly in protecting the environment,” said Harebamungu.

"We think it will help these children attach more importance in preserving the environment which is very vital to them and to the future of our country”.

Harebamungu added that schools should not look like deserts as most of the playgrounds in almost all schools in the country have no grass which he said was not good.

"All schools should devise ways of planting grass in their play grounds to give them a new look before the academic year begins,” he said.

The Minister said that he had met all the vice mayors in charge of social affairs in all districts and told them to implement the programme.

"They are supposed to sensitise schools in their respective districts and ensure the implementation of the plan. We will assess its implementation between April and May next year,” said the minister.

He also said that there are talks between his ministry and the Rhineland Province of Germany to fund the programme through their environment preservation plans.

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