On 27th October 2025, student volunteers from the MSB educational institute in Mombasa stepped into the mudflats of Dongo Kundu to plant 1,500 saplings of what will become a coastal shield. The activity was carried out under the banner of Project Rise, in support of the Government of Kenya’s One Million Tree Campaign. It brought together students, staff, community volunteers, and local partners to replenish a stretch of degraded coastline and help rebuild a natural barrier against flooding and sea-level rise.
As they worked, the students discovered what it means to take responsibility for the place they call home. Here’s what they had to say about the experience.
Photos credits: Taha Sabit
A day of teamwork and fun by Luluaa Esmailjee, Standard 7
We left school early in the morning, full of excitement and energy. The bus ride was loud and fun as everyone guessed what planting mangroves would be like. When we arrived at Dongo Kundu, though, the first thing we saw was a giant stretch of thick, wet mud. None of us had imagined it would look like that. We were shocked — and honestly a little nervous — but our teachers reminded us that this was part of the adventure. That it was for a good cause.
Before we began, the organisers explained why mangroves matter. Mangroves protect the land from flooding, help clean the air, and give shelter to birds and so many other animals. I didn’t know trees could do so much. We listened carefully and then promised to do our best.
We may be young, but it felt incredible to learn that even we could do something real to make a difference in caring for the environment.
Luluaa Ismailjee
Then came the most exciting part — planting the saplings. We took off our shoes, and stepped into the gooey mud. It was hard to move at first, but we slowly got used to it. Most of us were laughing as we worked in small groups and helped each other not to slip. Each of us was given five tiny mangrove plants. We dug small holes in the mud and pressed the saplings in gently with our hands. The mud was thick and heavy, so it wasn’t easy, but we kept going. Some volunteers even helped by making holes with a bamboo stick.
By the end, we were covered in mud, but every single person was smiling. It felt good knowing that we were doing something important.
We have a beautiful garden at home, but I mostly just enjoy spending time there, not really gardening. This outing reminded me of the importance of doing and not just being a passive admirer of nature.
We may be young, but it felt incredible to learn that even we could do something real to make a difference in caring for the environment.
It wasn’t my first time planting mangroves. I’d been here a few weeks earlier, but when I looked over the mudflats, I saw something different. There was certainly more green than before. I was pleased, and grateful to be here once again.
Between the planting zone and our base lay the home of an entire colony of mud crabs, so we needed to traverse through carefully. After some time, we just had to take off our shoes but I didn’t mind. It actually felt grounding. We were told to carry as many saplings as we could, and I grabbed a bunch.
I saw hope growing patiently in the very soil it shall one day protect.
Aliasger Husein
The local volunteers helped us by creating small holes to place our seedlings. Those with a green thumb sowed the seedlings into the ground with their bare hands, but others found using their feet just as effective.
As the mud began to dry, my feet became heavy and made me feel like I was wearing heavy boots. However, seeing my fellow schoolmates search for more seedlings to plant fuelled my motivation. It became an unofficial competition of sorts where every person wanted to be the one who planted the most seedlings.
At the end, as I was washing off the mud, I glanced back at the seedlings. I saw hope growing patiently in the very soil it shall one day protect.
A step toward a greener future by Batul Gulamabbas, Standard 12
Everyone knows what a student does most — it’s studying. However, some of my hobbies are reading, sketching, and spending time outdoors. I also love gardening at home. My family and I have planted herbs and flowers, and I enjoy watering and taking care of them. Watching them grow gives me a sense of calm and patience.
Change starts when we care enough to act, even in small ways.
Batul Gulamabbas
That’s why the mangrove planting experience means a lot to me. It reminded me that caring for the Earth starts right at home, in our own small spaces. Change starts when we care enough to act, even in small ways. And I firmly believe that ‘charity begins at home.’ We are responsible for saving the ecosystem and I believe the least we can do is start planting trees.
When I got to know we were going for this activity, I was excited and curious to understand what it will teach me about protecting the environment.
Upon arrival at the location, we were warmly welcomed by local representatives.
We then moved to the planting area. The ground was thick with clay-like mud that made it difficult to walk, so we stepped carefully as we planted the seedlings. I planted twelve of them, which felt rewarding, knowing each one would someday help protect the coastline and support marine life. Small crabs moved around us as we worked.
Growing up in East Africa, surrounded by nature, I thought I already appreciated it, but being out there, hands in the mud, made me realise how much we take it for granted.
After work, we sat together for refreshments and shared reflections on the day — the hard parts, the funny moments, and the satisfaction. It reminded us that even small contributions, when made together, can create lasting change.
The day ended with us becoming a little muddy, extremely tired but a tad changed.
