Dr. Owizz Instills Tree Planting Culture In Colligiate School Students
On Monday, 1st June 2026, the West African Collegiate Methodist School (WACMS) became a vibrant hub of environmental action as students, staff, and distinguished guests gathered to plant trees on the school grounds. The event, organized by Media Initiatives for Climate Change and the Environment (MICCE), was part of this year’s commemorations leading up to World Environment Day on 5th June.
Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma, Government Chief Pathologist and proud alumnus of the Collegiate School, delivered inspiring remarks during the activity. Addressing the gathering as he planted a young sapling, Dr. Owizz urged the trees to “grow and provide oxygen for man.” He elaborated on the vital, symbiotic relationship between trees and humans, explaining how humans breathe in oxygen that trees produce, while exhaling carbon dioxide which trees use to thrive. “Man needs oxygen and breathes out carbon dioxide, which is good for trees,” he said, encapsulating the cycle of life that connects all living beings.
The event was also graced by MICCE’s Director, Martha Kargbo, who highlighted tree planting as one of the core initiatives the organization undertakes annually to raise awareness about environmental conservation. In her opening remarks, Ms. Kargbo stressed the importance of trees in maintaining a safe and healthy environment, pointing out that they play a critical role in combating climate change, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity.
Joining Dr. Owizz and Ms. Kargbo in the tree-planting exercise were WACMS’s Senior Principal, Dr. Koroma, Junior Principal Mrs. Miranda Cole, and many enthusiastic pupils. Together, they planted several saplings across the school compound, symbolizing hope and renewal for future generations.
The activity not only engaged the school community in practical environmental stewardship, but also reinforced the message that individual and collective actions are essential for safeguarding our planet. By involving young learners, MICCE and WACMS have sown seeds of environmental consciousness that will grow alongside the trees.
As these newly planted trees take root and flourish, they stand as a testament to the vibrant partnership between education, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. The hope expressed by Dr. Owizz resonates deeply: for these trees to grow strong, provide fresh oxygen, and support the health and wellbeing of both people and the planet. This tree-planting initiative exemplifies proactive steps toward creating a greener, cleaner Sierra Leone for generations to come.
