How it Helps
The project is brilliant (if we do say so ourselves) on three counts:- Ecology
- Education
- Economics
By planting your tree, you are not only investing in your own future, but also the future of others.
ECOLOGY
In Uganda deforestation is a ginormous problem. You don't have to be a tree hugger to see the devastating effects of removing trees from the land. Without trees, the earth erodes and important nutrients are not restored to the ground. In Uganda, most people are subsistence farmers—they live and die by their crops. Without trees, poverty takes an even stronger hold.
Buying a tree makes a difference in the place that needs it most. You are contributing to ecological, sociological, educational, and economical change. That's a lot . . . for less than 50 bucks.
EDUCATION
African children are the future of the continent. Their education is key to future economic growth. Education enables people to make more informed decisions, improving their standard of living.
But most villages in Uganda suffer from poor funding, a lack of teachers, and few textbooks. Millions of African children are unable to afford school fees, keeping them from attending a much-needed education. Literacy rates are some of the lowest in the world.
Each tree purchase directly impacts education, providing needed training and materials for teachers and students. With 50% of Uganda’s population under 15 years of age, the Mvule Project seeks to aid in educating this large percentage of the population.
ECONOMICS
Short term: The average Ugandan villager makes less than $300 a year. The Mvule Project brings the equivalent of 10 Ugandans’ annual income into each village.
Long Term: The trees planted in these villages will grow into giant hardwoods. Mvule makes beautiful furniture and solid flooring, giving the wood a high value. With conservative harvesting and replanting programs, these trees could bring thousands more to the villages of Uganda.
Longer term: The economic stability (both short and long term) gives children better water systems, education, and crop yields. With the living standards improved, each subsequent generation can continue to improve on the one before it.
