BPR Bank Rwanda Plc is advancing its environmental sustainability agenda through a partnership with UNICEF Rwanda to plant more than 202,000 fruit trees in nearly 5,000 schools and 232 Model Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres across the country. The drive aims to improve children's nutrition, promote environmental conservation and create greener learning environments. The nationwide initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), will see each of the 4,996 schools offering primary education receive 40 fruit trees, while each of the 232 Model ECD Centres will receive 10 trees. Launched at GS Mayange in Bugesera District on November 13, it covers public, government-aided and private schools. Advancing environmental sustainability Speaking at the launch, Patricia Garuka, Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Citizenship at BPR Bank Rwanda, said the partnership aligns with the bank's commitment to sustainability and community development. She noted that the bank's contribution extends beyond environmental protection to supporting education through the BPR Foundation, which currently supports 100 scholars, and the Igire programme, which assists more than 200 vocational training students. “Beyond environmental protection, there is a lot that we are doing. But in particular, we do a lot of support for students and schools,” she said. Garuka added that the bank supports around 10 customers involved in green energy businesses and is working towards compliance with Rwanda's green taxonomy as it expands its sustainability initiatives. She said involving schools in the initiative would help children appreciate environmental conservation and develop sustainable practices from an early age. “If they understand it at this stage and we can be involved at this stage, it is very important for us,” Garuka said. ALSO READ: BPR Scholars Program backs 50 talented students from vulnerable families On the bank's contribution, Garuka said BPR Bank Rwanda has set a target of planting 10,000 trees this year. Of these, 2,500 will be planted through its partnership with UNICEF, while another 6,000 will be planted in collaboration with the district. Dr Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority, said planting fruit trees in schools would provide practical benefits to learners while supporting environmental protection. “Tree planting is part of our national culture. It represents our commitment to securing a better future for generations to come. Having fruit trees in schools is also a better solution to bring nutritious food closer to our children,” Nsengumuremyi said. UNICEF Rwanda Country Representative Leike van de Wiel said the initiative had evolved from initial discussions into a nationwide programme with the potential to benefit thousands of children. “The initiative launched today started as a very small seed. We started brainstorming, and little did we know that 10 months from then, we would be planting 40 beautiful trees in every single school. This is not just a seed; it is a seed for you. It is a seed for the future,” she said. Promoting nutrition and environmental conservation Beyond increasing tree cover in schools, the initiative seeks to strengthen environmental education among learners, encourage communities to take ownership of sustainable food systems and support school feeding programmes through the potential provision of nutritious fruits. It is also expected to contribute to climate change adaptation and carbon sequestration, while strengthening the link between nutrition, education and children's long-term development. The initiative is among activities marking 40 years of UNICEF's work in Rwanda, highlighting the organisation's commitment to investing in children's futures, environmental sustainability and community resilience. For BPR Bank Rwanda, the partnership reflects its purpose, “For People, For Better,” through investment in children's well-being, nutrition and environmental conservation. It also forms part of the bank's broader sustainability agenda and commitment to supporting communities beyond financial services.
