By Rasto Wamalwa
In a remote corner of northern Kenya lies Dadaab, a refugee camp synonymous with hardship and despair. Here, the unforgiving sun scorches the earth, and water is a precious resource. Yet amidst this desolation, an extraordinary transformation is underway.
Benson Tongolo, a Mathematics teacher from Webuye, has taken it upon himself to breathe life into the arid landscape. His mission is ambitious: to make the desert bloom again through the power of tree planting and sustainable practices.
“When I first arrived, the challenges were overwhelming,” Tongolo recalls. “The ground was cracked, water was scarce, and hope seemed to have dried up with the land. But I believed that with effort and unity, we could bring change.”
Tongolo’s journey gained momentum through the Green Youth 360 project, a program dedicated to equipping young people with skills in agriculture, renewable energy, and tree planting. At a graduation ceremony for 60 youth facilitators at Dadaab Secondary School, he planted a commemorative tree.
“This tree symbolizes not just growth, but resilience and renewal,” he explains. “We trained these young people to see the environment as a partner, not an obstacle.”
His work in Dadaab is as challenging as it is inspiring. He has dug shallow trenches to collect rainwater—“Every drop counts in a place like this,” he says—and planted drought-resistant trees like acacia, moringa, and neem. Using recycled materials, he and his team protect young saplings from the brutal sun.
The effort is grueling. “We’ve carried water for miles to keep the saplings alive,” he shares. “It’s back-breaking work, but seeing the green shoots emerge is worth every drop of sweat.”
Gradually, Tongolo’s vision has taken root. Once-barren soil now supports young trees, their roots holding the land together against the relentless wind. “Birds have returned, insects buzz around, and even small animals are finding their way back,” he says with a smile. “It’s incredible to see life return to a place that many thought was beyond saving.”
The impact goes beyond the environment. The trees provide much-needed shade and cooler temperatures, transforming the camp into a more livable space. “It’s not just about planting trees,” Tongolo emphasizes. “It’s about planting hope for a better future.”
The ripple effect of Tongolo’s work is evident in neighboring communities. Inspired by his success, villagers are visiting Dadaab to learn and replicate his methods. “We’re proving that even the harshest deserts can bloom with determination and teamwork,” he says.
His unwavering commitment has inspired many, turning Dadaab from a symbol of despair into a beacon of hope. As Tongolo puts it, “When we work with nature, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.”
