Blog Details

This information outlines the objectives, activities, and preliminary achievements of the Institutional Planting and Environmental Management Program at Kalaring Secondary School (KSS) for the current academic year by Green Climate Support and Awareness Initiative Gombe (GCS). In alignment with the state’s commitment to climate resilience, KSS has actively engaged students and staff in afforestation, landscaping, and environmental education. The primary focus has been on planting shade and economic trees to combat desertification, reduce heat stress on the premises, and integrate practical agricultural skills into the curriculum.

Introduction and Context

Kalaring Secondary School is situated in Kaltungo Local Government Area, a region within Gombe State facing increasing environmental challenges, including soil erosion and high temperatures. The Institutional Planting Program serves as a crucial strategy to enhance the school environment, provide natural windbreakers, and fulfill the educational mandate of fostering eco-conscious citizenship.

Objectives of the Project

The project is guided by the following key objectives:
1. Environmental Restoration: To plant and nurture species (shade and economic) suitable for the semi-arid environment to improve micro-climate conditions on the school premises
2. Instructional Support: To establish a functional school garden/nursery for Agricultural Science practicals and promote nutrition education through school clubs.
3. Aesthetics and Comfort: To improve the aesthetic appeal and thermal comfort of the school environment, thereby enhancing the teaching and learning atmosphere.
4. Community Engagement: To mobilize students and staff to become environmental champions within the school and their local communities.

Methodology and Implementation

Partnership and Resources

The implementation of the project was heavily supported by Gombe State Government.
• Seedling Source: Seedlings (both exotic and indigenous) are primarily sourced from the Gombe State nurseries, while some are purchased by Green Climate Support (GCS).
• Supervision: The project is managed by Green Climate Support (GCS) and School Environmental Committee, comprising the Vice Principal (Administration), the Agricultural Science Teacher, and student representatives from the Young Farmers Club and Environmental Club constituted by GCS.

Key Achievements

• Tree Planting Success: A total of 450 seedlings were planted, exceeding the initial target due to enthusiastic participation from students and the provision of additional seedlings from the LGA office.
• Practical Agriculture: The establishment of a dedicated school garden is enabling students to acquire hands-on skills in crop production, including land preparation, planting techniques, and organic manure application.
• Maintenance Culture: A structured rota for watering and weeding, involving all classes on a weekly basis, has been implemented to ensure the sustainability of the newly planted trees and garden plot.

KeChallenges Encountered

1. Water Scarcity: Access to a consistent water supply, especially during the dry season, poses the greatest threat to seedling survival.
2. Vandalism/Grazing: Despite efforts, occasional damage to young seedlings occurs from unsupervised livestock grazing near the school perimeter.
3. Tooling and Fencing: Insufficient durable gardening tools (hoes, watering cans, wheelbarrows) and inadequate protective fencing for the most vulnerable planting sites.

Conclusion

Kalaring Secondary School is committed to supporting the Gombe State Government’s green agenda. The current institutional planting project has successfully engaged the school community, resulting in a significantly greener and more conducive learning environment. Addressing the identified challenges, particularly water scarcity and the need for protective infrastructure, is essential to secure the long-term success and sustainability of this vital environmental program.