In the remote and arid region of Wamba, Kenya where the sun beats down relentlessly and water is a precious resource, Doreen, a form 2 student, is leading a quiet revolution – one tree at a time. Unlike most teenagers, Doreen isn’t just dreaming about a better future; she’s actively creating one by planting trees and encouraging others to do the same.

Her journey began with a simple realization: her home was too dry, and something needed to change. 

“I noticed that every year, the land seemed drier, and the rivers were shrinking. The scorching sun was unbearable, and dust filled the air. I knew we couldn’t just wait for rain – we had to do something to bring it back.” She explained.

A Spark of Inspiration

Doreen’s passion for the environment was ignited at school, where she learned about deforestation and climate change. She joined the Environmental Club, where she and other students started planting trees and cleaning the surroundings. But it was a heartbreaking experience that solidified her mission.

“I remember a season when we lost many of our animals because there was no rain. There was barely any grass for them to graze on, and water sources dried up. Seeing my family and neighbors struggle was painful. That’s when I truly understood how closely our lives are tied to nature,” she recalls.

From that moment, planting trees became more than just a school project for Doreen – it became a personal mission. She saw trees not just as plants, but as a way to heal the land, hold the soil together, and create a greener, healthier environment.

Overcoming Challenges

One of the biggest challenges Doreen faced was keeping the trees alive. In a place where even drinking water is scarce, watering young saplings was nearly impossible. But she didn’t let this stop her. She started collecting wastewater from washing dishes and clothes. Rather than letting it go to waste, she used it to water the trees. Over time, the saplings began to grow.

Convincing others to join her mission wasn’t easy either. Many people believed that planting trees in such a dry area was a waste of time. But as the trees she planted began to provide shade, reduce dust, and improve the soil, people started paying attention. 

“Now, more people in my community are planting trees. Some of them even come to ask me for advice on how to take care of them,” she says with pride.

So far, Doreen has planted 36 trees, and each one tells a story of resilience and hope. At her school, the trees are creating shaded areas where students can rest, making the environment more comfortable. Around her community, the trees are helping to reduce dust and hold the soil together, preventing erosion. Even though she knows it will take years to see a fully transformed landscape, she remains committed.

“Whenever I see a tree I planted standing strong, I feel hopeful. It reminds me that small efforts, when added together, can create real change,” she says.

Doreen’s journey is one she shares with others. Through her work with Asante Africa Foundation and the school’s Environmental Club, she has inspired fellow students to take action. She also educates younger students about conservation, ensuring that future generations continue her efforts.

Her goal is to expand her impact by planting more trees and demonstrating that change is possible. She believes that by taking care of the environment, people will, in turn, benefit from its protection.

A Message to Young Environmentalists

For other young people who want to make a difference, Doreen’s advice is simple:

 “Start with one tree. Take care of it, and don’t give up. Keep encouraging others to join you.”

She believes that everyone, regardless of age, can contribute to environmental protection. She emphasizes that even those without space to plant trees can care for existing plants, use water responsibly, or join an environmental group. According to her, every small action plays a role in making a difference.

Doreen is a reminder that true change starts with a single step, or in her case, a single tree. Her determination and resilience are shaping a greener, more hopeful future for Wamba and beyond.