EXCLUSIVE BOOKS PLANTS TREES WITH FTFA

Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) and Exclusive Books recently partnered to provide trees and new books to three schools in celebration of Earth Day and World Book Day in April 2023.

Three volunteer days took place at three schools in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. One hundred and fifty-five trees were planted at the schools by Exclusive Books volunteers, learners and FTFA facilitators. The project encourages learners' interest in the environment and broadens their perspectives. In spaces that have traditionally been barren, planting trees is one of the most practical and impactful ways to increase carbon offsetting and create green spaces which support children in their learning experiences.

Both trees and the books that come from them are essential tools to learning. By encouraging children to read and providing them with an “outdoor classroom” in which to do so, the FTFA and Exclusive Books partnership hopes to instil a love of reading in these learners.

Trees are associated with better academic performance, especially in primary school learners attending under-resourced schools. Not only do tree ecosystems provide oxygen and clean air which are vital to wellbeing, increased access to trees and green spaces have been associated with improved attention and cognitive function.

www.trees.org.za www.exclusivebooks.co.za