Planting Faith, Responsibility and Hope: AMUJO’s Green Ramadan at Mudi Dam
BY: Kassim Kajosolo
As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, a period defined by reflection, sacrifice and responsibility, the Association of Muslim Journalists (AMUJO) has chosen to translate faith into action by planting trees to protect the environment for future generations.
Under the warm skies of Mudi Dam, AMUJO members gathered with a shared purpose: to restore nature and raise awareness on the importance of environmental conservation.
By the end of the day, more than 1,000 trees had been planted, each one a quiet but powerful statement of commitment.
Leading the delegation was AMUJO Treasurer General, Yusuf Daisa, who used the occasion to challenge journalists to go beyond words and headlines.
While acknowledging the role the media has played in highlighting conservation issues, he emphasised that reporting alone is not enough.
“Journalists are doing well in writing about conservation and tree planting, but we must do more,” Daisa said.
“This responsibility should not end with AMUJO. Journalists from other associations, and individuals in their own homes and fields, can also plant trees wherever space allows.”
The initiative comes at a critical time when climate change and environmental degradation continue to threaten water sources and livelihoods.
For institutions tasked with managing water resources, such interventions are not just welcome, they are necessary.
Monica Gondwe, a Water Resources Officer for the Blantyre Water Board, said tree planting around the dam plays a vital role in protecting water levels by reducing soil erosion.
“Water levels at the dam sometimes fall because of siltation caused by soil erosion,” Gondwe explained.
“Planting trees together with journalists is extremely helpful, and we need more stakeholders to take part in climate conservation.”
In a show of partnership and sustainability, Gondwe pledged that the Blantyre Water Board would take responsibility for nurturing the newly planted trees to ensure they survive and grow to maturity.
Beyond symbolism, the exercise also reflected tangible commitment.
AMUJO invested close to K500,000 in the initiative, underscoring the association’s determination to contribute meaningfully to environmental protection.
As Ramadan continues, the trees at Mudi Dam stand as a living reminder that acts of faith can extend beyond prayer, rooted in responsibility, nurtured by collective action, and growing into hope for generations to come.