HURRAY! PANDA RAFIKI DID IT!

In the beginning of the previous month, we introduced a challenge called "Pandarafiki." The term "Panda Rafiki" is derived from Swahili, where "Panda" means to plant, and "Rafiki" translates to a friend in English.

 This challenge held great significance for our organization. Its primary goal was to increase the number of trees planted and nurtured to reach one million trees in Kilifi County. The initiative aimed to foster a stronger sense of love and friendship among those who planted these trees.

Given the pressing issue of climate change, we recognize the critical importance of planting trees as a means to mitigate its effects. Now, as we commemorate one month since the launch of the Pandarafiki challenge, we wish to evaluate whether it has fulfilled its intended purpose.

Progress so far,

The intended purpose of this initiative was twofold. Firstly, it sought to align with the shared goal of the "onemilliontrees4kilifi" project, which aims to make Kilifi County greener and ensure sustainable rainforest coverage by planting one million trees across 400 schools in the region.

 Secondly, the concept expanded to encompass the idea of maintaining connections and friendships with new acquaintances made during my visit to Nairobi for the African Climate Summit. These friends and partners, who returned to their respective countries, could maintain their bonds by planting a tree and naming it after themselves. 

This idea was extended to anyone who wished to plant a tree in memory of their loved ones. These trees serve a dual purpose, contributing to our environmental goals and creating enduring symbols of love and friendship.

Our Expectations 

The Pandarafiki Challenge has exceeded our initial expectations. What began as an initiative in Kilifi County, Kenya, has now resonated with people worldwide. The first country to embrace the idea was India, where Class to Class Ambassador Madam Jhansi Ravikumar and her students planted a number of trees. It was heartwarming to witness Indian students learning Kiswahili while participating in this tree-planting activity.

We were also fortunate to be joined by Madam Rahmeni Jmalia from Tunisia, who led our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Pandarafiki Challenge. Hamunant Deshmukh from Green Sunrise Hill in Wagholi, India, planted ten trees on his farm. Gise from Brazil enthusiastically engaged her family members in tree planting, including her mother and son. 

South Africa was represented by Swantini, while the United States had Nasim, Japan had Kanako Sugai, and Kenya, particularly Kilifi, had numerous participants, including Al Kags, Chris, Loise, Elphic, Vincent, Jeff, Simon, Angel, Zainab, Katana, Lincoln, Pande, Panda, Jmars, and many more.

Team Kakuyuni Boys

Over the course of the past month, Pandarafiki has successfully nurtured the love for tree planting and care. The challenge has impacted an impressive 56,000 individuals through on-site visits and online engagement, resulting in the planting of 16,000 trees so far. It's truly exciting to note that the challenge has inspired five farmers to establish tree farms, spanning from Nyahururu and Kitale to Magarini. 

Schools have also actively participated, with Kakuyuni boys' students greening their premises and planting fruit trees in their school farm. The same level of enthusiasm was mirrored by Shomani girls, who planted passion fruits along their school fence and several trees within the school grounds.

Team Tunisia

Shomani girls 

We firmly believe that the Pandarafiki project is poised to revolutionize the way people perceive tree planting in our county. Often, we've witnessed individuals planting trees and then neglecting them, leaving us uncertain about their chances of survival. 

However, with the Pandarafiki challenge, the act of planting a tree takes on a moral responsibility for the person, as it symbolizes their friendship. Just as a good friend wouldn't let their friend wither away or perish, individuals feel compelled to take care of the tree they've planted. As a result, we have witnessed an increase in the number of trees that thrive after being planted.

Moreover, the challenge has fostered a healthy competition among friends, as everyone strives to plant as many trees as possible. This sense of camaraderie and the desire to contribute to a greener environment has motivated individuals to plant trees with even greater enthusiasm.

Team Brazil 

 Given the tremendous impact we've witnessed, it wouldn't be fair to conclude the challenge without a grand finale, aptly named the "Ultimate Pandarafiki Challenge." This culmination will take place on November 13, 2023, which coincides with an official holiday in Kenya dedicated to nationwide tree planting.

Tree planting event on 13th November 

We've organized a special event at Buntwani Park in Malindi, designed to provide an opportunity for those who may not have had the chance to participate during the past month. This event promises to be truly unique and unforgettable. If you happen to be in Malindi or its surrounding areas, we extend a warm invitation to join us in the spirit of Pandarafiki and make a lasting contribution to this important cause.