Children starting school in Belgrade to plant their own tree

A unique tree-planting action is taking place in Belgrade, Serbia, with children being the main protagonists. All first-graders will plant their own tree and monitor its growth until they complete elementary school.

The Class Tree is the possible translation of the name of the City of Belgrade’s project to involve all elementary schools and all children enrolling in the first grade in the Serbian capital, says city council member Dragomir Petronijević.

Greening is a long-term process that requires educating children on ecology and environmental protection, says Petronijević, noting that green space currently covers 15% of Belgrade’s territory, according to the city’s portal.

From October 15, when the tree-planting season begins, each first-grader will plant their own tree and take care of it for eight years, until they complete elementary school.

“We are looking to educate first-graders on environmental protection and continue the project year in, year out. Once there is no more room to plant trees on school grounds, we will create a park or forest where first-graders will have their own tree under a similar or the same program,” he said.

World Cleanup Day another opportunity for environmental education

The central event of World Cleanup Day taking place in Belgrade’s Košutnjak forest tomorrow, September 21, represents another opportunity to educate children on the environment.

“Bring your children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends with you because you will have a great time in nature with Boda Ninković and Jovica Tišma,” organizers said.