By Ephraim Ebene | African Climate Reporters
KAKURI, Kaduna State — Long before tree planting became a popular climate campaign, the late founder of Seed International Schools, Kakuri planted a tree that has quietly grown into one of the school’s enduring symbols of environmental stewardship.
More than 15 years later, the tree now towers over part of the school, providing shade for pupils and teachers, moderating temperatures within the compound, and contributing to a healthier learning environment.
While many climate initiatives focus on the number of trees planted, the story unfolding at the school points to a different reality: the long-term value lies in protecting and nurturing trees until they mature.
Students who gather beneath the tree during breaks describe it as a place to read, relax and interact with classmates. Teachers say the cooler environment created by the tree has made outdoor learning and other school activities more comfortable, particularly during periods of intense heat.
With the founder now deceased, the tree has become more than part of the school’s landscape. It stands as a living reminder of a vision that continues to influence the school community years after it was planted.
Environmental experts have long identified mature trees as critical in responding to climate change. They help absorb carbon dioxide, reduce surface temperatures, improve air quality and support biodiversity—benefits that become more significant as the trees age.
The experience at Seed International Schools, Kakuri reflects a growing conversation in climate circles that success should not be measured only by how many seedlings are planted, but also by how many survive and continue to benefit future generations.
For the pupils, the tree is simply part of everyday school life. For teachers, it represents continuity. For climate advocates, it offers a practical example of how environmental leadership can outlive the individual who began it.
As schools and communities across Africa continue to promote tree-planting campaigns, the story from Seed International Schools, Kakuri, suggests that the greater challenge may not be planting more trees, but building a culture that ensures they are protected and allowed to grow.
In the end, the legacy of one tree is measured not only by the shade it provides today, but by the generations it inspires to care for the environment tomorrow..
