Introducing our new restoration space

On 22 October, we turned a new leaf of accomplishment as an organization: Light On a Hill (LOAH) has officially launched our KIJANI Space.

Kijani means “leaf” or “green” in Swahili. Why Kijani? The green leaf represents life and hope for us as well as motivation to push on with our forest and nature restoration efforts. We will use the space as an education center for children and the community for the conservation and restoration of nature. Here, they will have the chance to theoretically learn in the classroom through curriculum sharing from experts such as foresters, soil scientists, agronomists and community developers. Audio-visual learning will also be another avenue, as well as storytelling and experience sharing.

The children will also learn practical skills in organic farming at our vegetable garden, including seed collection, propagation, the establishment and nurturing of tree nurseries, tree planting and growing from our greenhouse, and community engagements. This knowledge will enable them to carry out the same initiatives in their homes and surroundings.

You can also read more from my previous blogs about Kijani’s different components.

We convened more than 100 individuals to celebrate with us, crowning our day in the most special way. The GLF team, a team from the K24 TV station, children, community members, friends and team members all made these numbers count.

Fun activities for all, art from recycled plastics and boxes, make-up art for girls, play, feasting and cultural dances all brought color and smiles in unexplainable ways.

This space represents sustainability for our restoration efforts, making learning more fun and providing a space to inspire individuals from our community, nation, and globe to extend care and kindness to our planet through conservation and restoration.