In the flood-prone areas of Rubkona, years of deforestation and changing rainfall patterns had turned once-productive land into waterlogged plains.
Seasonal floods destroyed homes, displaced families, and washed away trees and crops in the area leaving communities struggling to rebuild year after year.
This initiative was led by Save the Children, Tearfund and Coalition for Humanity (CH) to support the implementation of the Natural Resource Management plans which were developed by the Natural Resource Management committee from the eight (8) payams of Rubkona county.
providing farmers with training in modern farming techniques, access to improved seeds, and small-scale tools to enhance productivity.
Recognizing the urgent need for a sustainable solution, Denggak primary school, with support from Tearfund organization launched a tree-planting campaign known under the theme “Trees as a Shield Against Floods”
However, the program focused on planting indigenous trees such as Mangoes, Guava, Brazil, eucalyptus and neem within the school compound to help stabilize the soil, absorb excess water, and restore the natural ecosystem.
According to Mr. Simon Khamis, FSL Manager for Coalition for Humanity, Rubkona field office during the official launch said that the advantage of planting trees in the area has many purposes.
“It will reduce the effect of climate change, like when we plant trees in our area, it protects us from the effect of climate change, the oxygen we breathe in we get it from the trees. You can also stay under shade of the trees during your break time.” We can also get fruits from the trees which also build our immunity.
In Rubkona, some of the areas that are currently flooded severely began to show resilience. Planting trees reduces soil erosion, provides shade, and improved air quality.
Farmers who were trained by Coalition for Humanity also mentioned that there is improvement in crop yields as the soil regained fertility, and bird species slowly returned, signaling a recovering environment.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the project united communities, especially women and youth, in collective action through nursery management and tree care, while also inspiring a culture of environmental responsibility among the next generation.
The story of Rubkona demonstrates that planting trees is not just an act of greening the land but it’s a powerful tool for fighting climate change and building resilience against floods.
Through nature, the people of Rubkona are reclaiming both their land and their hope for a safer, greener future.
Since January 2024, the program has supported community-led peace dialogues, strengthened women and youth leadership, promoted entrepreneurship and agricultural productivity, improved natural resource management, and expanded access to sustainable clean water.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gatjok Deng, who is a teacher at the school, underscored that the administration would plan for the students to have school garden and make sure the plant several seeds verities.
He applauded Tearfund and Coalition for Humanity (CH) organization for their initiative and selecting their school.
“We will instruct the students to bring water to irrigate the plants so that it should not be destroyed” said Gatjok Deng the headteacher of Deng Gak primary school.
On her part, Akudi Rose John, Wash project officer at Tear emphasized that planting trees could help curve the climate change and flooding in the area.
“We request anyone who wants to plant these seedlings in their own homes, or at the school to come and register with us to pick whatever type of seedling they want. Those seedlings are free of charge, let us plant them to conserve our environment” Rose said.
