Oriwo Boys High School marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr) in a unique way by planting trees on the school grounds, fostering interfaith unity and environmental conservation.
The school, sponsored by the Seventh Day Adventist Church but hosting a significant number of Muslim students, chose to commemorate the occasion by combining faith-based celebration with ecological responsibility.
Principal Emphasises Inclusivity and Environmental Stewardship
School Principal Mr Henry Airo stated, “Today is special not only for our Muslim students but for the entire school as we celebrate diversity. By planting trees, we send a strong message that Oriwo Boys High School respects all faiths and is committed to sustainable development.”
He added that the initiative aligns with the school’s vision of inclusivity and environmental consciousness, ensuring every student feels valued.
TSC Director Applauds School’s Efforts
Homabay County Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Director Mr Milton Oyugi praised the administration for integrating the presidential directive on tree planting with interfaith harmony.
“We commend Oriwo Boys for leading by example. The President’s directive to plant trees is crucial in combating climate change, and this school is making remarkable progress,” he said.
Oyugi revealed that Homabay County has planted over 500,000 trees toward a target of one million, urging other schools to follow suit.
Students Champion Green Legacy
Milton Otieno, a student, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, saying, “We want to leave a lasting legacy by transforming our school into a green haven. Many see Oriwo as a ‘desert,’ but through tree planting, we’ll tackle climate change and improve our environment.”
Shaban Zanzahir, a Muslim student, thanked the school for recognizing Eid-ul-Fitr. “This gesture means a lot to us. We’re determined to change the narrative by making Oriwo greener and more inclusive,” he said.
Academic Excellence and Holistic Growth
Oriwo Boys High School continues to excel academically, with 98.55% of its 2023 KCSE candidates attaining the minimum university entry grade of C+ and above. The school’s mean score of 9.1017 reflects its strong academic culture, driven by early syllabus coverage, discipline, and dedicated staff.
Principal Airo attributed the success to teamwork, saying, “At Oriwo, every stakeholder knows their role, ensuring we remain a top performer in the region.”
The tree-planting event not only celebrated religious diversity but also reinforced the school’s commitment to environmental sustainability and academic excellence.
Key Highlights:
– Interfaith Unity: Muslim students celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr alongside peers through tree planting.
– Environmental Action: 500,000+ trees planted in Homabay County under presidential directive.
– Academic Prowess: 98.55% of Oriwo’s 2023 KCSE candidates scored C+ and above.
– Student-Led Initiative: Learners aim to combat climate change and transform the school’s landscape.
