
Embassy of the Republic of Kenya to Kuwait celebrated ‘Mazingira’ (the Kenyan Environment Day) in collaboration with the UN Habitat, Kuwait and Fahaheel Al-Watanieh Indian Private School, Ahmadi on Thursday, 10th October 2024 with great splendour and enthusiasm. The programme was organised for raising awareness about environmental issues as well as to promote environmental sustainability among the students, who will be its future beneficiaries.
The event conducted in the school auditorium had a galaxy of esteemed ambassadors and dignitaries all united in their commitment to protecting our planet. The guests who graced the occasion were H.E. Dr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov (Tajikistan & Dean of the Diplomatic Corps), Honorable Karen Sasahara (USA), H.E. Abdoulkader Houssein Omar (Djibouti), H.E. Dr. Sied Muhumed Jibrill (Ethiopia), H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Mohamed Sheikh Abdullahi (Somali), H.E. Dr. El-Anrif Said Hassane (Comoros), H.E. Mr. Nkululeko Horace Dlamini (Eswatini), H.E. Mr. Sman Manan (Cambodia), Mr. Filip Katic (Serbia), H.E. Mr. Ali Ben - Aissa (Morocco), H.E. Mrs. Haja Ishata Tomas (Sierra Leone), Mrs. Nisreen Al-Rubaian (UNHCR), H.E. Mr. Marh Zhoock Issane Daniel (Central Africa Republic), H.E. Mr. Younos Abdul Karim (Malawi), H.E. Mr. Mohammed Habib Idris (Ghana), H.E. Hon Mr. Hummad Yahia Hali (Eritrea), H.E. Mr. Mohamed Saad Ouro-Sama (Togolese Republic), H.E. Murtala Jimoh (Nigeria) and Mr. Arun Chaudhary, CFO and Head strategist of Al-Rayan Holding Company.
Mrs. Mammako Mary Mohale Lerata (Lesotho), Mr. Marwan Alhaddad (USA), Mr. Moiba Ansumana Fofana (Liberia) and Mr. Alhassane Cisse (Guinea) were also present as special invitees.
The program began with Tahe-al-Kuwait and Kuwait National Anthem followed by the recitation of the holy Quran. The welcome address was given by the Head boy and the Head Girl. The principal Mr. Ravi Ayanoli, while formally addressing the gathering, emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship and the role each individual plays in creating a sustainable future. In the process of nurturing students to be responsible global citizens of tomorrow, he conveyed his intentions on looking at an issue from a global perspective rather than as a national issue.
Her Excellency, Ms. Halima A Mahmoud, Ambassador of Kenya to Kuwait appreciated her fellow guests for their presence and involvement in the programme. She also expressed her high regards to the Principal and the FAIPS team for making the Mazingira event outstanding. Explaining about the origin and importance of Mazingira (Swahili word meaning environment), she brought out the significance of environmental conservation and the negative factors such as challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution affecting the planet earth. Dr. Ameera Al Hassan, Head of Un-Habitat Kuwait & GCC Mission, UN-Habitat, reiterated the high importance of environmental protection and commented on the flawless organisation of the event.
A plethora of cultural events included a melodious English song in Reggae style “Back to the Earth”, ‘Eco Kids’ by Kindergarten and a unique ramp walk by the primary kids which not only entertained the audience but also drove home an important message. A rhythmic dance by the senior students on ‘Echoes of Earth’ was also well received by the audience. A video compilation by the Kenyan Embassy of Kuwait highlighted the government’s strategic policy to increase their forest cover in Kenya.
The Kenyan Ambassador and the UN Habitat representative presented a memento to the principal of FAIPS DPS for his contribution towards this noble cause. The special assembly culminated with a vote of thanks by the Head Boy followed by the tree nurturing activity. All dignitaries and special guests planted a sapling each in the campus to mark the importance of Mazingira.
Overall, it was an insightful and valuable event crafted in the most engaging and creative way and provided a remarkable experience to the student fraternity present. The programme was one of its kind to inspire students to become advocates for the environment.