by Cleric Jittin Mathew
MUMBAI, APRIL 22, 2019: A tree plantation campaign was held by Bhumi, a youth-led non-profit organisation, on the occasion of Earth Day on April 21 at Bosco Boys Home (BBH), Borivli. 23 volunteers from Bhumi together with over 30 children from grade five to eight from BBH participated in the campaign.
Before commencing with the planting, the volunteers ensured that the kids were aware of the process of the growth of a tree and the importance of Earth Day celebrated on April 22 worldwide. There were around 65 different saplings like neem, mango, tomato, chilies, coconut planted by the boys with the help of the volunteers.
“Different teams of volunteers and children took up various activities like shoveling and digging, getting the saplings out of their bags, placing it in the pit, and then watering it. The kids knew just how tenderly to handle the delicate flower plants. Throughout the campaign, the kids were supervised by the volunteers," Sanket Mendon, the coordinator of the event, said.
"The main aim of this drive was to spread awareness about the importance of trees and how it helps in restoring the balance of nature. One additional effort taken by the volunteers after the activity was making every two kids choose their favourite plant and ensure that they take complete responsibility for it and nurture it till it grows.”
On behalf of the management of BBH, Deacon Romero D’Souza said, “Great thanks to Bhumi for making the boys know that to plant a tree means to save a life. The campaign was a success as each student and volunteer contributed profoundly.”
After the planting drive, the volunteers organised an hour of animated games for the boys which ended with a dance session. “Trees give us oxygen to breathe and shade to sit and relax. I planted four saplings and I promise to water them regularly,” Prince Chawda, a grade five boy from BBH said.