Friends of River Ezava-Forezava

Earlier this week, global news broke that China has discovered one of the largest gold ore deposits in its history. Found in the Shandong Province, the deposit is being described as “supergiant” and is estimated to hold over 50 tonnes of gold. You can read the full article here . Now, this might seem far removed from our small villages here in Vihiga County. But it isn’t. In fact, it raises a very serious question about what is happening right here, in our backyards. Chinese-Backed Mining in Our Villages In recent months, several Chinese-backed companies have quietly set up small-scale mining operations across our region. These operations claim to be mining gold—but their activities tell a different story. Rather than supporting our local artisanal miners and cooperatives, these companies often take over entire mining zones. They extract huge quantities of ore and carry it away—unprocessed and unverified. None of the minerals are tested or refined here in Kenya. Everything is shipp...

In the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, when silence haunted classrooms and hope seemed scattered in the wind, I found myself drawn—pulled, even—towards something humbler, yet profoundly powerful: the soil. As a teacher in a rural community, the pandemic hit hard. Schools were closed. My students, without access to digital learning, were left in academic limbo. I felt disoriented and disconnected—like a voice without a platform. Yet, amidst that stillness, there was a quiet calling. The earth beneath my feet, the trees around my village, and the scattered seeds I began collecting whispered a different kind of lesson: start where you are, do what you can. The photo above captures that moment in time. A crate of seeds, collected from around my village, balanced on my shoulder. I was heading to the farm—unsure of what exactly I was building, but confident that it meant something. That act of seed collection and propagation was my way of reimagining education, rethinking resilience, and ...

In our continued commitment to environmental conservation and community-driven climate action, Forezava today marked yet another impactful milestone—this time at Chamasilihi Primary School , where a tree growing exercise brought together learners, educators, and environmental champions for a common cause: making learning spaces greener and safer. This special initiative engaged 15 enthusiastic pupils , who were introduced to the power of trees not only as providers of shade and beauty but also as natural, living fences . The school's current need for secure boundaries presented a practical learning opportunity for both ecological restoration and school safety. By planting trees as a living fence, the school is embracing a solution that is sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally enriching. The Deputy Headteacher of Chamasilihi Primary expressed his appreciation for the collaborative effort, highlighting the significance of partnerships like this in transforming school e...

 In our rural communities, life revolves around the essentials. At the end of the day, many of us pass by mama mboga or the kibandasky to buy a small portion of vegetables—just enough to make dinner. These small transactions are built on trust—you know that mama mboga will always have fresh sukuma wiki, and she knows sometimes you can lack the cash to pay but still she may never disappoint. This system works because both sides know they’re getting something valuable. But then, there’s carbon credits—a concept that sounds distant and complicated for many. Ask anyone at the local market, and you’re likely to get a puzzled look. Why should carbon credits matter to a smallholder farmer who plants trees for firewood, shade, or fruits? The idea seems more relevant to big companies in distant places than to our everyday lives. And for a long time that has been the norm, but we seek to change it! Why Carbon Credits Matter to Us Here’s the reality: while planting trees has always been...

 May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to join the conversation. My desire to speak up is not just driven by statistics or trending discussions, but by a deeply personal experience—a near nervous breakdown just a few weeks ago. The pressure of maintaining a work-life balance became almost unbearable, and I found myself on the verge of losing touch with reality. In that moment, I knew something needed to change. As a child, I had this peculiar habit that some, like one of my uncles, called 'bad manners.' I would venture down to a small local river, barefoot, and start wading through the water from one point to another. I moved aimlessly, soaking in the coolness, unbothered by crabs, stinging insects, or even the lurking danger of snakes in the bushes. It was my version of a daredevil act, but it brought me a sense of adventure and deep fulfillment. After trudging through kilometers of slippery rocks, thorny thickets, and wild terrain, I ...

At Lusengeli Secondary School, a vibrant spirit of environmental stewardship took root recently as students from the Scouting Club, Handball Club, and Environment Club came together to embark on a transformative journey towards sustainability. The day was filled with enthusiasm, learning, and action as young learners immersed themselves in climate change education and tree planting, culminating in the establishment of a school-based Active Climate Change Club. Guided by the principles of environmental conservation, the students participated in interactive sessions on the role of youth in addressing climate change. The event, supported by Forezava, was designed to empower learners with practical knowledge and hands-on skills. The young leaders embraced their roles with remarkable energy, actively engaging in discussions on sustainable practices and their significance in building resilient communities. One of the day’s highlights was the planting of over 100 indigenous tree seedlings aro...

There’s something incredibly humbling about standing beneath a guava tree, its branches heavy with ripe, juicy fruit. As I stood there today, in the heart of a local riparian forest, memories from years past came rushing back. Back then, this was more than just a forest—it was a sanctuary, a playground, and an escape for the curious minds of my Village. Growing up around River Ezava, we knew every winding path, every bend of the river, and every towering tree. But none held as much allure as the guava trees. During peak season, the branches would be adorned with plump, fragrant fruit, drawing us like moths to a flame. The thrill of climbing up to reach the best guavas, balancing on branches while savoring their tangy sweetness, was an adventure in itself. Swimming in the river, skipping stones, and running barefoot through the forest made every visit unforgettable. These experiences, spontaneous and pure, shaped our understanding of nature’s gift. Today, as I climbed one of those very ...