On Thursday 5 June, students in Maathai House came together to celebrate their House Patron Day. This date marks the anniversary of the first trees planted in 1977 as part of the Green Belt Movement—an environmental initiative founded by Wangari Maathai to combat deforestation and empower communities.

Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was a trailblazing environmental activist and political leader. Through the Green Belt Movement, she not only championed sustainability but also created opportunities for women to learn new skills, earn an income, and contribute to a more sustainable future. To date, the movement has planted over 51 million trees and supported more than 30,000 women in grassroots leadership and environmental work.

To honour Maathai’s legacy, students gathered in the theatre during PC to watch a short video produced by House Leaders Natasha and Olive, highlighting her life, values, and impact. At lunchtime, the celebration continued with a pizza lunch and a friendly staff vs students dodgeball match, which brought plenty of energy and laughs.

It was a fantastic day that showcased house pride, student leadership, and a strong sense of belonging. A big thank you to the Maathai SRC team and House Captains for their hard work and spirit in bringing the day to life.

Sam McCombe
House Coordinator | Maathai House