SANA’A, June 10 - Under the slogan “Yemen is more beautiful,” a campaign was launched to plant trees around schools in the capital Sana’a. The campaign, which coincided with World Environment Day on June 5, was launched by the Progress and Advancement Forum in Al-Sabeen Martyrs’ School. It aimed at spreading the practice of tree-planting among Yemenis, not only in schools but everywhere.

In a speech, Yahia Mohammed Abdullah Saleh, head of the Forum, said, “The change we all seek must start from schools, particularly elementary schools, in order to build a new generation equipped with education, patriotism and love for people. Education is what we need in Yemen, not weapons, because we are a peaceful people. Education is the only thing we can use to build a new Yemen.”

Bilqees Al-Kawkabani, a member of the Forum and a specialist in agriculture, says, “Our aim is to protect the environment. The campaign’s aim is not only to make a beautiful environment, but rather to make individuals depend on themselves to keep the environment clean and to spread awareness about different kinds of trees and what type of climate they require.”

“To begin, we started with ornamental trees. We focus on trees between 1-3 meters tall that can tolerate drought and live at least 2 to 4 years,” she added.

For her part, Haleema Al-Domaini, the principal of Al-Sabeen Martyrs’ School’s, said, “Planting small trees around the school fence is one of the main activities in the school. We have daily activities with the Friends of the Environment group to encourage students to plant trees everywhere. Schools play an essential role in hosting positive activities like these and I hope this campaign reaches every school in Sana’a.”

The campaign targeted 14 elementary and high schools in different areas of Sana’a, in coordination with the Education Office in Sana’a.

It is reported that the campaign is the fourth one held by the Progress and Advancement Forum . They launched a similar campaign to plant trees in the entrances to the capital Sana’a in 2010.

Al-Rafa, Al-Dailami, Al-Fawares schools in Sana’a and other schools participated in the campaign and were happy with the results.

According to the Forum, the Forum’s campaign lasts for a week.