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Mushi Magreth hails from a village near Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. While going on with her regular chores one day, she happened to hear an annoucement inviting all villagers to join a tree planting project on International Day of Peace. The announcement described the negative effects of deforestation around her village and neighborhood like hunger, lack of rainfall, conflicts between farmers and livestock keepers, and poverty. Magreth’s family has expereinced some of these negative effects. She was interested to learn more about how she can prevent cimate change they could invest in sustainable peace. “I was convinced of this agenda,” she said.
During the commemoration of International Day of Peace, Magreth, her husband, children, sister, grandson, and neighbors participated in a tree planting activity in her community. The volunteering activity was a big reminder to them and their neighbors about how each and every one can channel their efforts towards combating climate change. “It was a wake-up call for us to volunteer for peace by making sure we nurture those trees and protect our environment to make our homes a better place,” she shared.
On that day, together with her family and neighbors, they were able to plant 8 trees that they continue to care for. The tree planting project broughth the community members of Kilema village, Marangu district near Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park together to protect their environment.
Magreth’s younger sister, Mama Shayo, has over the years been keen on teaching her children about solving conflicts, appreciating each other, teamwork as well as helping others. “Little did I know that I was nurturing the spirit of peace building within their minds, souls and in those around them,” she said as she thanked the Sunshine Family volunteer team for opening for encouraging her to participate in the day’s activities.
Magreth reflected that she felt love, teamwork, new ideas, and the commitment towards improving her way of living. It also helped to strengthen her relationships with her family members and the other families who participated.
Indeed, volunteering presents one with an opportunity to up-skill and find new meaning in service. Volunteering for GPW SFV activities equips participants with various ideas on how they can build a culture of service in as well as becoming peace ambassadors in their communities. If you have a Sunshine Family Volunteer story to share or your family wants to start a project, email younshim.park@globalpeacewomen.org.