Africa International University (AIU) Vice Chancellor has urged youth to be stewards of environment by involving in community efforts that promote environmental conservation to help combat effects of climate change.
The Vice –Chancellor Prof. James Nkansah-Obrempong said by youth engaging in community efforts such as tree planting, clean up drives and initiatives that promote environmental conservation they will help mitigate effects of drought and frequent floods that are often experienced not only in Kenya but in the world.
“Young people should be stewards of environmental conservation and participate in efforts that promote conservation such as planting trees and clean up drives. This should be an activity that should form part of their day to day life if we have to combat climate change,” Prof Nkansah-Obrempong said.
The VC who was speaking when he led students of Africa International University to plant trees at St Marys’ Karen Primary school and Karen chief’s compound during tree planting day that saw 300 seedlings planted said the University has made deliberate efforts to adopt three schools and mentor the students on environmental management and conservation.
“We will adopt three schools and mentor students on values, careers, and environment in order for them to become good citizens and engage in community activities that contribute to development of the country,” he said.
He further said that the institution has partnered with Equity Bank to plant trees in collaboration with the host community as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The university that caters for about 2500 students has schools of Theology, Social sciences, Development studies and Institute of study of African realities that focuses on environment and enables the university to link with the community in its midst.
Karen Ag Chief George Nyachiro said they targeted to plant 600 tree seedling today in the location and appealed for more seedlings saying there is more land and spaces in learning institutions and homes and if the seedlings are availed much can be achieved during this rain season.
By Cyrilla Barasa
