Trees are known to have therapeutic properties.
It is for this reason that a nongovernmental organization in Nakuru County has launched a tree-growing campaign aimed at raising awareness of mental health among learners.
During the launch spearheaded by the Planet Patrons in collaboration with Nakuru County, 1, 000 trees were planted at Langalanga Primary School.
The Organization’s Executive Director Wanjiku Njoroge said that mental health is an area of massive concern across the world and participants made clear that Kenya is no exception.
“Depression, substance abuse, stress, and anxiety disorders are among the top mental disorders and learners are affected adversely hence the need to create awareness,” she said.
According to the Ministry of Health, one out of four persons who seek healthcare in Kenya have a mental health condition.
To address this among school-going kids, Planet Patrons has been carrying a campaign to establish ‘Birthday Forests’ in schools across the country.
The birthday forests will act as green spaces for pupils and teachers specializing in ornamental trees, fruits and indigenous trees.
“Apart from trees cleaning the air, they can even be beneficial to mental health, with several scientific studies finding that being in nature or living close to green spaces can improve mental health conditions like anxiety and depression,” Wanjiku said.
Planet Patrons campaign is to plant 5,000 trees in every county.
Speaking during the event, the county announced plans to rehabilitate over 1,000 acres in its quest to mitigate climate change.
County Secretary Samuel Mwaura said Nakuru is a hotbed of forest cover; they are at the forefront of establishing green spaces, especially in schools.
“The concept of birthday forest is a masterstroke in incorporating learners to be environmental ambassadors,” said Mwaura.
The campaign also aims to support the national government's target of planting 15 billion trees in the next 10 years.