‘Grow with It’: Environmental campaign brings tree to Ainkawa school

AINKAWA — The Elanti Team, a local environmental organization, planted acacia trees at Ainkawa Secondary School on Wednesday as part of an initiative to introduce tree species well-suited to Erbil’s climate. The Egyptian yellow acacia, chosen for its resilience and vibrant bloom from September through April, is expected to enhance the school’s aesthetic and environmental value.

Fanar Farah, head of the Elanti campaign, emphasized the importance of planting trees compatible with the region’s environment. “Our campaign today at Ainkawa Secondary School involved planting Egyptian yellow acacia trees, which bloom from September through April,” Farah told 964media.

The initiative aims to foster community engagement and environmental stewardship by encouraging families and children to plant trees and connect with nature. “As the child grows, we remind them that they planted a tree that grew along with them,” Farah said, highlighting the campaign’s broader goal of nurturing a relationship between people and the environment.

The timing of the campaign coincides with the rainy season, which Farah described as vital for addressing water shortages during the summer. The Elanti team planted 25 trees across two gardens during their fifth planting event this year.

Stella Saeed, a student at Ainkawa Secondary School, participated in the campaign alongside her classmates. “These campaigns raise environmental awareness and beautify the school environment,” Saeed said. She added that this was her first experience with such an initiative, which she found both enjoyable and educational.

Ainkawa, a predominantly Christian area north of Erbil, is home to around 65,000 residents, including Chaldean Catholics, Assyrians, and Syriac Orthodox Christians. It serves as a cultural and religious hub for Iraq’s Christian community.

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