KUHeS VC Calls for Tree Planting Efforts to Safeguard the Environment
The Vice chancellor for Kamuzu University, Prof. MacPherson Mallewa, has urged the KUHES community and other universities to spearhead tree planting exercises in the country. Speaking during tree planting exercise on 6th March 2024, at Mahatma Ghandi and Kameza Campuses in Blantyre, Prof. Mallewa has challenged the KUHeS community to preserve trees in their campuses as well as communities as they are key to human health. He further stated that as a top medical institution in the country, the institution understands the important role tree play in the human existence and survival hence taking the step.
“As a health institution of higher learning, we know the undisputed role trees play in human life and the whole environment. Trees are responsible for recycling the carbon dioxide and turning it into breathable air called oxygen and not to mention the protection that trees offer against natural disasters. We have had issues about cyclones and global warming, all those issues are a warning and a wakeup call to humans to replenish the trees that have been depleted. This all proves that human survival depends on trees and it is our responsibilities as leaders in the society to take charge and embrace the tree planting exercise. This is why as KUHeS, we lobby for tree planting exercise to be a culture of this institution and we also urge our students to lead the exercise in their communities when they go home,” said Prof. Mallewa.
Speaking on behalf of KUHeS students body, President for Students Representative Council, Visakose Kamfozi commended KUHeS management for involving students in the exercise and called upon the students to complement the university’s efforts in enforcing and sustaining the exercise every year.
“We are delighted to be part of this exercise. It is imperative that we sustain the exercise and preserve the trees planted this year and the years to come. As students, it is our duty to remind the management about the exercise once the tree planting season is imminent. I believe as students, we need to spearhead the activities as far as preserving the environment is concerned,” said Kamfozi.
Of the 200 trees planted this year, 100 planted have been planted at Mahatma Gandhi Campus and the other half at Kameza. The activity was graced by Chair of KUHeS Council, Prof. Francis Moto, KUHeS Registrar, Mr. Christopher Namagowa, Executive Deans, students and members of staff.
