International Day Of Forests : Because Forests Mean Everything To Man

Young female songstress, Jato Sonita and her musical group, The Forest Children, have for years now taken a keen interest in efforts to protect the environment. Because they were offered sanctuary, food and clothing in forests at the height of the ongoing armed conflict in English-speaking Cameroon. 
“Forests preserved us and gave us hope during the most trying moments of our lives. Thanks to forests, we are making a name and career. So, we decided to show appreciation to nature by carrying out advocacy for forests and the conservation of nature,” explains Sonita. A 16-year Lower Sixth student of Heart of Life College, Mankon, Bamenda in Mezam Division of the North West Region. 
And so it was no different this year - on March 21, 2024 - on the occasion of the International Day of Forests. Jato Sonita led her group - made up of kids like herself - to mark the day in Bamenda. By carrying out a sensitization campaign and then planting trees. Over the years, the group has marked and raised awareness on the importance of forests on the International Day of Forests. This year's theme of the celebration is “Forests and Innovation.” 
The Forest Children, a music group comprising 25 kids, on Thursday March 21, 2024 visited, planted and donated trees in some institutions in Bamenda. They were in the Physical Fitness grounds (Parcours Vita) in Ntamulung neighbourhood. Where they were received by the Director, Mr Enow Julius and staff. “We planted trees and donated some to the management of Parcours Vita. The objective was to raise awareness on the International Day of Forests and plant eco-friendly trees that would provide more oxygen to those who exercise in Parcours Vita. As well as beautify the environment and provide shade to tourists to Parcours Vita,” Jato said. 
Jato Sonita and the Forest Children had earlier produced brooms with material from nearby forests in Bamenda. Which were gifted to the management of Parcours Vita to remind them of the need to always keep the environment clean. After the Bamenda Parcours Vita, Jato and the Forest Children visited the Bamenda City Council and were received by Mr Mbah Takwe, the Director of Town Planning, on behalf of the City Mayor. A symbolic tree was planted in th...