As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, local communities continue to demonstrate that meaningful change begins with small, intentional actions. For Tuungane CBO, one such action has grown into a thriving environmental movement through the Adopt a Tree Initiative, a program that empowers learners to become environmental stewards while contributing to ecosystem restoration in Kilifi County.
Planting the First Seeds of Change
The Adopt a Tree Initiative began in 2024 at Msumarini primary school, Kikambala in Kilifi South Sub-County where Tuungane CBO donated 100 tree seedlings to learners. More than a simple tree-planting exercise, the initiative encouraged each learner to adopt and take responsibility for nurturing a tree. Today, many of those trees continue to thrive, serving as a testament to the commitment and dedication of the learners who planted them.
The success of the pilot initiative demonstrated the power of combining environmental education with practical action. It also highlighted the important role young people can play in restoring ecosystems and building climate-resilient communities.
Expanding the Reach
Building on the success of the inaugural project, Tuungane CBO expanded the initiative in 2025 through a partnership with NACADA and Plan International Kenya under the COSME Project. During this phase, the organization reached three schools and planted 500 tree seedlings.
What made the initiative unique was the emphasis on sustainability. Environment Club members received mentorship from trained Roots & Shoots Club members and mentors supported through the COSME Project. Through continuous engagement, learners gained knowledge on climate change, biodiversity conservation, tree care, and environmental leadership.
The positive response from schools and learners reinforced the value of the initiative, with Environment Clubs embracing tree adoption as an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-day activity.
Scaling Impact Through Global and Local Partnerships
In 2026, the initiative reached a significant milestone. As part of the global Make a Difference Week movement and in celebration of World Environment Day, Tuungane CBO expanded the program to three additional schools within Kilifi North Sub- County;two primary schools and one secondary school.
With support from NACADA and the Kenya Forest Service, a total of 505 tree seedlings were planted alongside learners, teachers, and Environment Club members.
The initiative also attracted international support through the Make a Difference Week movement, championed by the Society for Ecological Restoration in conjunction with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and partners from Azerbaijan (Baku). These collaborations connected local environmental action in Kilifi to a broader global movement focused on ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.
Youth Leadership at the Centre of Climate Action
A key pillar of the Adopt a Tree Initiative has been youth leadership. Through mentorship, environmental education, and practical conservation activities, young people are empowered to become champions for climate action within their schools and communities.
This commitment to youth-led climate action was recently recognized when Tuungane CBO’s Climate Action Lead, Diana Abucheli, was selected as one of the Global Climate Education Ambassadors for the Global Day of Action 2026, powered by QS Impact and Earth Quest.
In her role at Tuungane CBO, Diana has been instrumental in mentoring Environment Club members, facilitating climate education sessions, and inspiring learners to take ownership of environmental conservation efforts. She has consistently championed the integration of climate education into youth development programs, ensuring that young people understand both the challenges posed by climate change and the solutions they can contribute towards.
Reflecting on her appointment, Diana shared:
“Climate action begins with awareness, but it becomes impactful when young people are empowered to take action. Every tree planted, every learner mentored, and every conversation about protecting our environment creates a ripple effect that can transform communities. I am passionate about equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to become environmental leaders because they are already leading change today.”
Her recognition highlights the growing influence of grassroots climate initiatives and the important role local leaders play in shaping global environmental conversations.
Strengthening Sustainability Through Knowledge
Recognizing that successful tree planting requires long-term commitment, Tuungane CBO also invested in developing practical learning resources for learners and mentors.
The organization received support from climate advocate; Elijah Masokano of the Global Initiative for Nature Improvement (GINI), who contributed to the development of the Adopt a Tree Handbook. The handbook serves as a guide for Environment Club members and mentors, providing practical information on tree planting, maintenance, environmental conservation, and climate action.
The resource is expected to strengthen the sustainability of the initiative by equipping learners with the knowledge needed to care for their trees and become ambassadors for environmental stewardship.
Looking Ahead
What began as the donation of 100 seedlings has evolved into a growing movement that has planted more than 1105 trees across schools in Kilifi County while nurturing a new generation of environmental leaders.
As Tuungane CBO continues to expand the Adopt a Tree Initiative, the vision remains clear: to create greener schools, empowered learners, and resilient communities that actively contribute to ecosystem restoration and climate action.
Through partnerships, mentorship, and the dedication of young people, the initiative continues to demonstrate that lasting environmental change is possible—one tree, one learner, and one community at a time.