We measure the growth of our trees with the app of our sister company called Treeo. In a collaborative effort between us and Treeo, a significant milestone was achieved, as we conducted a Refresher Training on tree monitoring. This event brought together community monitors from various project areas and was hosted in Fort Portal City in Uganda.
The comprehensive training program was divided into two distinct sessions – theory and practicals. In these sessions, participants delved into the theoretical aspects of tree monitoring using the Treeo App and had the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge in the field afterwards.
Mr. James Thembo, our Head of Field Operations, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering community participation in all project activities. He explained, “The monitors undergoing training are recruited from our project areas to support our Fairventures field teams in monitoring activities.”
Furthermore, James Thembo expressed his high expectations for the community monitors, stating, “I expect the trained monitors to navigate the Treeo app dashboard, upload data, and conduct tree surveys effectively by the end of the training.”
As the intense training came to a close, the Farmer Training Facilitators shared their insights and experiences. Mr. Edrick Bwambale, the Farmer Training Facilitator at Holy Dove Farm Nursery in Kasese District, lauded the training as highly informative, particularly with regard to the modifications made to the Treeo App. “It has been timely and informative ahead of the next monitoring exercise. A lot of improvements in the Treeo app have been made, and this refresher training has been a great opportunity to appreciate the improvements,” Edrick remarked.
Mr. Junior Ampumuza, the Farmer Training Facilitator in Hoima, expressed his confidence in the community monitors’ capabilities, highlighting their readiness to deliver the necessary data to analyse the tree growth. He expressed, “I am excited and optimistic with much hope in these monitors after this refresher training. The objectives are very clear, targets are known, and resources have been made available for monitors to do the work. I am already convinced that we will have the numbers come through in time.”
This year’s annual Refresher Training brought together 52 Community monitors and 13 Farmer Training Facilitators, all of whom were equipped with the essential skills for using the Treeo App. The app will serve as a crucial tool for monitoring tree survival, tree seedling health, and the determination of replanting needs. The training represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the environment.