As chairman he also participates in all environmental meetings of the Regional Government. After we informed him about the Lindbergh grant he wrote: "I was at the Kilimanjaro Regional meeting this morning and I informed them about the Lindbergh Foundation Award and the equipment I'm expecting for the education program of the ABCP. Because everybody was happy they granted me about 1.5 acre of land which was government property for my work and to build an educational centre or youth centre. I couldn't believe that one day I will get a plot like that for the future of my work and our youth."

Sebastian and Edmund work on securing a
support for an Mpingo sapling at the Moshi
Mpingo Plot in December 1999.

Mpingo Women's Group

Empowerment of women is becoming a focus of institutional giving because it is well understood the great influence women have in family matters and in the care of the environment. In many areas of the world they have, however, been greatly hampered because of their lack of access to money, tools, and land.

For the past 3 years Sebastian has been an advisor to a group of 20 women who are organizing a co-operative in Kikavu Chini (south of Moshi.) Their objectives are to start commercial operations such as bee-keeping

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Meeting of Women’s Group at Kikuvi Chini

Since they are planting mpingo trees, we have donated $250 to their funds and are looking for funding organizations to further support their efforts. The following is a statement from one of the group members, "For the first time ever the women of our village are allowed to plant trees in the traditional family farms. Owing to the strong traditions and customs, women in the past had not been allowed to own any trees because they did not have any land. Today each group member now owns at least two trees or more with the full support of the men in the community. This is an achievement for the women of our group and village and we are proud that we have also managed to influence women of the surrounding villages."

Mary Sambeke

Until this winter, when the water tank donated by the Cottonwood Foundation was installed at the Moshi Mpingo plot, we had no permanent nursery, but had to rely on local residents, particularly Mary Sambeke, who permitted us to use their gardens. In addition the Sambeke's have made it possible for us to set up email communication with Sebastian. Since he has neither telephone or electricity, he carries his computer to their floral shop and uses their telephone to pick up his email. The ABCP would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Mary Sambeke for the assistance she has given the project in Moshi.

Village Chief Mr. Musa plants a ceremonial Mpingo seedling at Mijongweni in recognition of founding of conservation club.

Sebastian presents certificate of membership to the Head Teacher at Mijonweni Primary School during celebration of founding of Mpingo & Malihai Club.

Mjongweni Village

Sebastian is initiating a program to educate people in areas where mpingo grows about the importance of both replanting and the conservation of the tree, including branches that have already been cut. The pilot project, using films, drawings and artwork from Mpingo, was started in Mjongweni Primary School where 320 students have signed up for the Mpingo/Malahai club. 100 mpingo seedlings have been planted along the school boundary and it is hoped that at the end of this year each student will receive 2 seedlings to grow in areas around their homes.

In October 1999, at a celebration of the founding of the Mjongweni Mpingo & Malihai Club, 36 local villagers signed up for membership. Each was given an annual membership certificate and 10 mpingo seedlings.

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