Between May and August 2025, the LIVE-EX project implemented the initiative “One Student, One Tree” in the municipalities of Kloto 1 and Kloto 2, in the Plateaux Region of Togo.
The programme engaged students from Kpodzi Public Junior High School, Nyivémé High School, and Tové Evangelical Primary School in concrete, educational climate action. At a time of increasing environmental degradation and climate-related challenges, the initiative placed young people at the center of practical reforestation and environmental awareness efforts.
Learning by Doing: Climate Education in Action
The project combined awareness-raising, practical training, and community participation.
Students took part in interactive sessions on climate change adapted to their age and level of understanding. These sessions were reinforced with hands-on demonstrations on tree planting and maintenance, ensuring that learning moved beyond theory.
The initiative mobilized students, teachers, and parents to plant 1,500 tree seedlings across the three beneficiary schools. In addition, two environmental clubs were established to provide a structured space for continued environmental engagement.
National and international volunteers contributed to the programme by facilitating educational activities, learning games, and environmental quizzes, promoting active and participatory learning.
“Planting a tree myself made me realize that I can also protect nature.”
Student, Kpodzi Junior High School
Concrete Results and Lasting Impact
The participatory approach produced measurable outcomes:
- At least 1,700 students developed practical reforestation skills and gained a clearer understanding of the role trees play in ecosystem balance and climate change mitigation.
- Schools strengthened their collective commitment to environmental protection.
- The newly established environmental clubs are operational and continue to implement environmental initiatives within schools and surrounding communities.
The project did not only plant trees. It strengthened environmental awareness and responsibility among young people.
Moving Beyond Symbolism: Ensuring Sustainability
A central challenge remains: how to prevent tree-planting activities from becoming one-off symbolic events.
The sustainability of the initiative depends on ensuring the survival of planted trees, maintaining student and teacher engagement, and continuously developing environmental and civic skills.
To address this, LIVE-EX shifted from a symbolic approach toward a structured, long-term educational model. The programme is increasingly integrated into school life, supported by local educational authorities, and reinforced through permanent environmental clubs designed to sustain engagement over time.
Youth as Agents of Change
Through “One Student, One Tree,” LIVE-EX demonstrates that participatory environmental education, when rooted in local realities, can shape a generation that is informed, responsible, and proactive in addressing climate change.
By combining education, action, and institutional support, the initiative shows that youth engagement is not symbolic—it is foundational to long-term climate resilience.
“This project motivates our students to take care of their environment, today and for the future.”
Teacher, Tové Evangelical Primary School
Read more about Live-EX project HERE.