Rwanda, UNICEF launch nationwide school tree-planting programme across 4,000 schools

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched a large-scale tree-planting programme targeting 4,000 schools as part of efforts to strengthen environmental protection, improve nutrition and build climate resilience among students.

The initiative, unveiled on May 18, 2026, will see each participating school planted with about 40 trees, mainly fruit-bearing species, bringing the total to more than 160,000 trees nationwide.

The programme will be implemented jointly by UNICEF, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Education and One Acre Fund, with planting activities scheduled to begin in September 2026 and conclude within one year.

UNICEF Representative in Rwanda, Lieke van de Wiel, said the initiative goes beyond planting trees, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their survival through adequate care, water availability and proper seedling supply.

She said the project builds on previous environmental initiatives, including the Green Rising campaign, and is designed to engage children directly in climate action at school level.

Minister of Environment Dr. Arakwiye Bernadette said the programme aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which targets the planting of 300 million trees.

She noted that Rwanda has already exceeded its forest cover target of 30%, reaching 30.4%, adding that the new initiative will further strengthen climate resilience while making productive use of school land.

Dr. Arakwiye also highlighted that fruit trees will contribute to student nutrition while helping protect soil and reduce environmental degradation.

One Acre Fund Rwanda Director Belinda Bwiza said the project will also generate employment opportunities through local nursery operators supplying seedlings across the country.

Rwanda continues to scale up its afforestation efforts, with nearly 60 million trees expected to be planted in the 2025/2026 fiscal year as part of its broader environmental sustainability agenda.