Tree Planting in Kibera, Kenya (Peace Tree Project)

On the 21st of January, 2011, Bhante Wimala participated in a special project of planting trees in the Kibera slums in Nairobi. Bhante was the chief guest at the launching event of a project to plant five thousand trees in the Kibera slums and nearby areas. The project named “Peace Highway to Kibera” will be completed by planting five thousand Peace Trees.

Due to dry whether conditions on the launching day only 200 peace trees were planted. We are waiting for the arrival of rain at the end of February to continue planting the rest of the trees.

This project, which was organized by the Universal Peace Federation in cooperation with our Triple Gem Society, is the first of such projects launched in Kenya with our participation. The launching ceremony was attended by the Chairman of The Universal Peace Federation, Mr.Dawda, several Peace Ambassadors, the District Commissioner of Kibera, Mr. Omar and other dignitaries who were welcomed by the community with great enthusiasm.

The Kibera slums in Kenya are one of the largest slums in Africa. More than one million people live in a small area of 1.5 square kilometers. Most of the people who live in Kibera have no access to basic necessities of life such as clean water, toilets or electricity. Apparently for over 70 years this area has been that way. We are happy to be able to participate in a project starting some small change for the better.

Many people worked hard to organize and make the special launching day a success. Without the vision and persuasion of Mr. Dawda, who is the chairman of Mangi biscuits in Kenya and the chairman of the Universal Peace Federation, this will not have happened. His personal assistant, Mr. Babu, Tina and many others worked hard. We also appreciate the support of the District Commissioner Mr. Omar. Thank you everybody who contributed to this noble project.