Visiting tree farming families at the various growing stages is really important to ensure the trees are being cared for but often the focus is not on the trees themselves but those who have planted from and will benefit from them.
After a short walk to Robert’s land, we not only had the pleasure of seeing his well-cared for trees but we met his two daughters Faidas and Chimwemwe.
Robert has only the two children, a very small family for a Malawian. He told us, “I planted trees to help my family. Even with two children it is hard. It was financial reasons that my wife and I decided to only have the two daughters but we are hopeful for their futures.”
Faidas wishes to be a nurse and Chimwemwe a police officer. Robert hopes the trees will give him the future he wants too. He said, “I was a carpenter but I can’t afford my own tools so I am now working in a quarry. One day I will do what I am trained to do.”