By Rukhsana Rumi From Netrakona
For the past seven years, a group of eco-minded adolescent girls in Netrakona has been welcoming newborns to the world by gifting them tree saplings which symbolizes a “zero carbon” beginning.
Formed seven years ago, the 15-member teenage group “Agryatra Kishori” from Fachika village in Kailati Union has taken a unique approach to promoting a greener future. On November 12, they organized a special event to welcome five newborns and honor seven pregnant women with nutritious food packages and tree saplings.
The event was attended by Netrakona Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Asma Binte Rafique as chief guest, along with Union Parishad Chairman Nazmul Haque, BARCIK Regional Coordinator Md. Ohidur Rahman, and local residents.
Each time a baby is born, the girls visit the family with three types of saplings such as fruit-bearing, medicinal, and timber to meet the child’s future oxygen needs and offset carbon emissions. They also provide monthly nutrition packages (including eggs, bananas, guavas, lemons, and local greens) to pregnant women with support from BARCIK. The initiative also includes regular health check-ups and awareness sessions led by trained health workers.
Group president Bithi Akter said, “We advise mothers to eat home-grown vegetables and fruits for natural nutrition. These trees will one day become valuable assets for the children’s future.”
UNO Asma Binte Rafique praised the initiative, saying, “These girls are proving that even small actions can make a big impact. Their efforts to build a green world will help fight climate change.”
The event was conducted by Bithi Akter and BARCIK officer Khadija Akter Lita.
