Environmentally Aware Individuals

On Wednesday 21st June 2023, the secondary students went to Kwetu Training Centre to mark World Environment Day (that we could not celebrate on the actual day because of end of year examinations). They started by walking through the forest, discovering turmeric seedlings freshly planted and spotting the beehives on their way to the ponds. As we approached the mangrove, a network of ponds in which saltwater fish and crabs are farmed, appeared. The students had the opportunity to feed the fish before making their way to the thick mangrove. There, our Kwetu guides prepared the muddy ground for us to plant mangrove and showed us the different types we could see around us. Planting the mangrove seedlings was the highlight of the trip and how amazing it was to see the students so willing to get involved and plant as many as they could. With muddy hands and shoes we made our way back to the centre, washed the mud off our hands and had a break. After their break, the students proceeded to the “making neem candles” activity. They were taken through the different steps and all of them managed to make their own candle to take home.

After lunch at school, we continued celebrating World Environment Day by getting into House groups and taking part in three different activities. The students created physical features seen at Kwetu out of modelling clay, they drew and coloured a memory of the trip and finally, wrote a comment for the newsletter.

In addition to all this, we were privileged to have been granted access to a truly beautiful documentary on sea turtles by Juma Adero, that we watched after lunch. The film, If Turtles Could Talk, follows the Jumba Turtle Watch team in their effort to protect the green turtles that lay eggs on the Jumba Ruins beach, in Mtwapa.

All in all, the day provided an enjoyable opportunity to learn outside the classroom and take part in a variety of activities that catered for all learners.

We encourage all environmentally aware individuals to visit Kwetu Training Centre.

Mme Mwangi

CHUI House

Poul: “ Ienjoyed learning about the different types of mangroves.

I found out that there are 9 types in East Africa and there were 7 different types are the place; I remember the red one and the white one.

We also planted some mangroves. It was very fun!”

Olga: “I enjoyed looking at the different types of mangroves. We saw ponds and gave the fish food. I especially enjoyed the neem candle making it was very educational and I’m very glad and grateful for the experience. The walk was very scenic and productive.”

Jasmine: “I enjoyed feeding the fish and planting the mangroves. I also learned that making candles with neem prevents mosquitos. I learnt about the very intriguing process and uses of neem oil!”

Tasneem: “I learned about the different types of mangroves (we had the lucky opportunity to see 7/9 of the types of mangroves in East Africa!) and the various interesting uses. I enjoyed getting my hands dirty (and my feet) as I planted the mangroves feeling fulfilled by the idea of sustaining nature.”

Muhamed: “I enjoyed planting the mangroves. I learnt how to create a candle from wax and oil and I enjoyed the trip in general. I enjoyed the fact that the environment was relaxing, allowing us to have a good time. We learnt about neem oil used in the candle to repel mosquitos. I also liked feeding the fish.”

Roy: “The trip was a very interesting and enjoyable experience that enlightened us on the importance of conserving nature. During our trip we got to see beehives from a far, we planted baby mangroves, fed farmed fish as well as observed them in their natural habitat.”

Kevin: “I enjoyed feeding the fish, I also learnt how to create candles with neem oil and wax, I loved the way we planted the mangroves and got our hands dirty. We had the best guides, they told us a lot of information.😎 “

Simba House

“I enjoyed planting the mangroves and learning about the neem trees. I never knew that they had so many uses. However I personally didn’t like the smell of the oil.” Ciara.

“I learnt that there are different types of mangroves, which have so many uses. I also learnt how to make candles out of neem oil.” Renisa

“I saw a mangrove tree and leaves, I made a candle out of neem that repels mosquitos. and we fed some fish.” Taseen.

“I saw different types of mangrove trees and I learned some information on how mangrove trees help the environment.” Ernest

“I got to plant and see mangroves, and I also learned how to make candles from neem.” Ayaan

“We planted two mangrove trees each and it was very enjoyable. We also saw fish ponds and we fed the fish” Alba

“I enjoyed finding out how mangrove trees are very important and how candles are made.” Denis

Kifaru House

Hendrika : “I enjoyed learning about the mangrove, that there are different types, for example the red mangrove and white mangrove and why they are important to us and the wildlife.”

Tung’a : “I enjoyed planting a mangrove and creating a neem candle with wax. The road trip was adventurous and we saw a lot of exciting things on the way.”

Kate: “I enjoyed feeding the fish and seeing them come out of the water and I liked the environment they are placed in.”

Alex: “We learned about the conservation of the plants and animals, there are 3 different species in the ponds, 1 crustacean and 2 fish, them being prawns, milkfish and maillot fish.”

Peter: “I enjoyed the trip, it was very educational. I planted two mangrove trees where the area was muddy. There are nine types of mangroves in East Africa and they have seven at Kwetu, some are the white and red mangroves. Mangrove attracts fish so they live there. We also made neem candles.

James: “I enjoyed planting mangroves. I also enjoyed making the candles; it was very interesting and educational.”

Fidel, Max, Isabell: “We started our journey by walking through the lush forest, guided by the Kwetu team. The air was fresh, and we could hear birds singing and leaves rustling around us. With each step, we felt more connected to the beauty of nature. When we reached a peaceful clearing, the guides explained something fascinating called "mangroves". They explained how mangroves play a key role in our environment and that we had to help plant them. So, we got to work!

We also made neem candles with wax that could also be used as a mosquito repellent.”