Right to Play and local residents joined forces on Saturday, September 26, to plant 8,000 trees along Sebeya River in Nyundo Sector, Rubavu District, as part of efforts to protect the disaster-prone area from recurrent flooding.

Amadou Cissé, the Country Director for Right to Play, who joined the monthly community work, known locally as Umuganda, emphasised the vital role community plays in environmental protection and building resilience against climate shocks.

During the event, 8,000 Alnus trees were planted. Additionally, fruit trees—including orange and avocado—were distributed to schools, working with the Right to Play under Girls' Climate Change Education (GCCE) Project.

Through the GCCE Project, Right to Play is actively increasing the capacity of girls to lead climate action initiatives within their schools and communities.

"Educating children and engaging them in tree planting prepares them to be game changers in the fight against climate change, empowering them to tackle critical issues in Rubavu, a district prone to disasters," Cissé said, noting that the Right To Play is currently working with 15 schools across the district.

"We need to keep in mind that climate change is real, and we see the consequences today," he added. "By investing in small actions now, we secure a much larger impact for the future."

Rubavu District Mayor Prosper Mulindwa welcomed the tree-planting initiative and urged residents living near Sebeya River to safeguard both the trees and the flood-mitigation infrastructure built to ensure their safety.

"These trees will prevent erosion and runoff, serving as key measures to protect infrastructure built along the river—such as lateral dykes—while safeguarding arable land and raising disaster-prevention awareness," Mulindwa told The New Times.

"We must continue to protect the river banks and maintain them as a buffer zone, which is an effort that yields great benefits."

"Let us prevent any damage to these facilities and protect them."

For pupils taking part in the activity, tree planting was not only about protecting the environment but also about reducing the risks posed by floods and erosion in their communities.

Sandrine Umuhoza, an 11-year-old pupil at Groupe Scolaire Kayanza, said her school’s 200-member climate club encourages students to take part in environmental protection.

"We are planting these trees to prevent erosion," she said, reflecting on recent heavy rains that caused severe damage in Nyundo Sector. "People have lost their lives and houses have been damaged; this is what we are trying to prevent from happening again."

"I have loved trees ever since we learned about the environment, and we have many of them planted at home," she added.

Local residents in Nyundo also praised the programme, noting that protecting the river directly translates to community safety.

"Trees provide good oxygen and habitats for birds," said local resident Grace Uwihoreye.