What started as a small Saturday morning initiative became one of Mercy of Hope’s most energizing youth-led projects. Young volunteers from across Nairobi gathered at Karura Forest alongside local school students to plant tree seedlings and learn about environmental stewardship.
Youth leading by example
The tree planting project was organized almost entirely by Mercy of Hope’s youth volunteer team. They coordinated with the Kenya Forest Service, sourced indigenous seedlings, and designed an educational session for younger students covering why forests matter, how trees absorb carbon, and what it means to take care of shared natural resources.
More than planting
Beyond the seedlings in the ground, the project gave young volunteers a tangible sense of ownership over their environment. Several participants have since joined regular conservation cleanups. The schools involved have started their own small nurseries. It proved that environmental action does not require large budgets — it requires people who show up.
