Help us Grow Hope at The Kwale School for the Mentally Challenged

In Kwale School for the Mentally Challenged is a beacon of inclusion, resilience, and climate action in coastal Kenya. Our students, who live with autism, cerebral palsy, microcephalus, and other cognitive challenges, are proving that every child, regardless of ability, can be a champion for the environment. In 2022, the school faced a harsh reality. Trees were being cut for firewood. The students' meals lacked greens. Environmental degradation worsened, and hope was shrinking. But in 2023, a turning point came with the arrival of Mr. Hassan Mwadime, a passionate environmentalist and educator. He introduced a tree nursery project, a powerful idea with humble beginnings and no seedlings. But with requests to well-wishers and support from the Kenya Forest Service, a 2,000-seedling nursery was established. The Africa Climate and Environment Foundation (ACEF) joined in to provide training, guidance, and help manage the nursery and deliver climate education. When ready, the seedlings transformed not only the school compound but were also donated to 20 other schools in the region, where they now boast a 75% survival rate. Today, tree growing is an integral part of learning at Kwale School. For mentally challenged and mildly autistic students, tending to plants provides routine, sensory stimulation, skill-building, and, potentially, future income sources. Our school is now recognized as a model green institution, regularly receiving awards for environmental stewardship. Looking ahead, the school also dreams of establishing a small arboretum: a space where students can interact with a diverse range of tree species, learn about biodiversity, and experience nature as a calming, hands-on classroom. This arboretum will not only enhance learning and therapy for our learners but also serve as a green sanctuary and teaching model for other schools in the region. But we need your help to keep this momentum alive. With your kind support, we aim to: * Purchase potting bags, 5 watering cans, 2 wheelbarrows, gloves, and jembes * Replace our fragile mosquito-net fencing with a chain-link fence to protect the nursery from animals * Install 4 water tanks to ensure a reliable water source for the tree nursery * Support exchange learning visits for 20 partner schools, expanding climate education in the region Begin laying the groundwork for a school-based arboretum. Thanks to the dedication of our students and teachers, our current seedling survival rate stands at an impressive 98% during the rainy season. Your contribution will not only support environmental restoration but also create dignified learning and growth opportunities for children often left behind. 🌱 Donate today. Help us grow trees, grow minds, and grow hope.