Liberia is losing its forest largely due to logging, shifting agriculture, and burning of charcoal. According to Global Forest Watch, “From 2002 to 2023, Liberia lost 347,000 hectares of humid primary forest, making up 15% of its total tree cover loss during that period.” Trees are vital in protecting us against storms, offering shade, and reducing the harmful effects of the sun’s radiation. We are now experiencing warmer temperatures. This is a marked change that could impact the climate.
By: Turvon Al Weah and Gardeh N. Garteh, contributing writers
In partnership with CODE, Canada, WE-CARE Foundation through the Girls Accelerated Learning Initiative (GALI) program has decided to raise awareness and take action to combat climate change in Liberia by promoting a simple yet impactful act – Planting Trees. As simple as it sounds, this initiative is a springboard to a future where trees are recognized as essential to our daily lives.
The tree planting exercise occurred in 40 schools and more than 50 communities in Montserrado, Bomi, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties from January 27 – 31, 2025. The 863 GALI girls, who have become passionate advocates for climate action to restore the health of our planet, visited communities and spoke to residents in English and their local dialects about climate change and the importance of planting trees as a way to reduce its effects on the environment.
During the launch, the Ministry of Education, through the director of the Girls Education Department, Mrs. Lorpu Mannah lauded WE-CARE for being one of the first in the country to take up this initiative since Climate Change was included in the policy documents to be taught in schools. She further said, “it is worth noting that WE-CARE’s GALI program is teaching about Climate Change and taking action”. Mr. Swaray, Community Leader of Perry Town, Brewerville, lamented the relentless assault of climate change on his community: “We are concerned about the dangers of climate change. The wind is taking off our roofs”.
As reported by the Norway International Climate and Forest Initiative, a major benefit of planting trees is the availability of “free food.” Nearly all the GALI girls brought so many saplings, that a single day was barely enough to plant them all on their respective school campuses and surrounding communities. These GALI girls (climate change actors) have already planted the seeds of their future meals and the protection of their environment.
As if bringing more saplings than expected wasn’t already an act of “Climate Action”, GALI girls also shared the message of climate change with their friends and parents, and the whole community as they marched up and down the streets, wearing climate action T-Shirts, and holding up banners, singing their tree planting song: “Plant! Plant! Plant a tree. Plant it in a row. Water it well every day. See how fast it grows.” They also chanted “What do we want – climate action. When do we need it – now. Climate change is real – Plant a tree.”
At the end of the program, the GALI Supervisor said, “This initiative has turned young children into champions of positive climate actions. This indicates that the GALI program is making a positive impact in the lives of people and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.”
