The importance of education around trees and their beneficial impact and interconnectivity with the environment became obvious decades ago while driving past productive green farmer’s fields in North America, and recalling having lived through drought in Zimbabwe in the 80’s, where the tree population was desperately dwindling in some areas.
The question came up – how does one create awareness around the importance of trees relative to the web of life? How does one give back to those environments where the wellbeing of the children and wildlife have been impacted?
Two decades passed before the manifestation of those ponderings took shape in the form of a colouring storybook for children – Little Girl’s Wish.
Recently, in response to a question from their schoolteacher, Zimbabwean school children that had just heard the story Little Girl’s Wish, declared one of their take-aways from the story was not to chop trees down. Simple enough right?
Not only do trees provide shade; absorb carbon dioxide and breathe oxygen back into the environment; provide a home for all sorts of creatures – they also keep the earth cool. Trees have been chopped down for decades as a source of energy and building resources – and perhaps a contributing factor towards drought and environmental degradation out of balance.
Little Girl’s Wish was created to reach children. It’s the story of a little girl who is left alone to her own devices, so much so that she is not even given a name. She amuses herself playing with animals, climbing trees and communing with nature. One day she asks – where are the trees, butterflies, birds and bees? When the Earth Mother hears her wishes to make a change in the world, she grants her wishes. Finally because of her love and open heart to see, feel and hear the truth, Little Girl receives her name.
“I believe the children are our future,
Teach them well and let them lead the way…”
Little Girl’s Wish teaches us to honour, respect and love not only ourselves and our fellow human companions, but all life on earth. When we cut down trees – the lungs of Mother Earth, we destabilize the balance of nature and wildlife on her body.
We can excite children to appreciate, understand and acknowledge the inter-connectivity of all life on earth. To access and utilize their imagination, unique talents and abilities to create all that is possible and good in a new thriving and abundant earth. And be inspired to change how we live life – raising up our awareness as planetary protectors and custodians of the planet – starting with trees.