Government has commended ABSA Bank Zambia for launching the tree planting school competition, describing it as a momentous initiative that promotes environmental conservation, youth empowerment and climate action through education.
Speaking during the launch in Lusaka, Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima said the initiative reflects a strong partnership between government, the private sector and civil society in advancing sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
“It is a privilege to launch this pioneering competition that combines education, youth empowerment and climate action,” he said.
The minister said over 1,000 schools across the country are expected to participate, each planting a minimum of 100 trees.
He added that participating schools will compete for prizes worth K600, 000 including solar solutions, school furniture, sports equipment and educational materials.
ZANIS reports that Mr Syakalima urged schools to take ownership of the initiative by nurturing their trees and tracking their growth, saying education and environmental stewardship are inseparable in building a climate conscious generation.
“Through our education system, we can cultivate citizens who understand the value of biodiversity and responsible living,” Mr Syakalima said.
And ABSA Bank Zambia Chief Executive Officer Mizinga Melu said the competition forms part of the bank’s “Plant and grow a million trees” campaign under its citizenship agenda, launched two years ago in partnership with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
“Involving school children, we are ensuring that future generations understand what it means to plant, nurture and care for trees,” she said.
She explained that the competition will run from November to March, coinciding with the rainy season, with the target of planting 100,000 trees in three months.
The ABSA Bank CEO added that the initiative promotes afforestation, reforestation and environmental protection and will particularly benefit rural schools through access to solar power and other learning resources.
Meanwhile, Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) representative Andrew Kalumbi reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to the partnership, noting that ZAFFICO will provide technical expertise and seedlings to support the project.
“This initiative is about more than trees; it’s about shaping environmentally conscious citizens and building a greener, more sustainable Zambia,” he said.
He added that ZAFFICO currently manages 53,000 hectares of forest plantations and is ready to provide seedlings at subsidised rates, while offering professional support to participating schools.
The ABSA tree planting school competition aims to foster environmental awareness among learners and strengthen community participation in the fight against climate change.
