Every year, brownies aged 7 to 11 and guides aged 12 to 15 at Sharjah Girl Guides, SGG, commemorate UAE Planting Week from 1st to 5th March, by engaging in activities that foster awareness and encourage their interest in the natural world around them.

This year, SGG brought together 50 guides, 50 brownies, representatives of government institutions and volunteer groups to take part in ‘Pick and Grow’, an initiative that includes the picking of fruits and vegetables, an act which required participants to invoke virtues of patience, keen observation and analysis.

The event was organised by SGG in cooperation with the Environmental and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, Sharjah Municipality, and Goumbook, a non-profit organisation that promotes green practices among individuals and businesses in the UAE and the Gulf region.

"Whether in a rural or urban setting, the surprises of the plant world can provoke a child’s curiosity and desire to investigate. Working with and for nature, a child can experience the satisfaction that comes from caring for something over time, while observing the cycle of life firsthand. At SGG, assuming social responsibility towards the creation of a sustainable environment is one of our core teachings and ‘Pick and Grow’ aligns with this mission. We hope that our guides will be able use these experiences to set an example for their friends, siblings, and families," said Sheikha Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Manager at the SGG.

Enlightening the audience about the various kinds of trees found in the country, Amal Al Hammadi from EPAA, said, "The UAE is most famous for its Ghaf tree, which thrives even in harsh desert conditions with its capability to grow without fertile soil. The Ghaf’s roots can penetrate up to 50 metres into the earth. The palm tree is another national symbol, most famous for its delicious dates. Its parts are used for multiple medical applications and its fronds are used widely in the traditional craft industry."

The guides and guests strolled along SGG’s lakeside grounds picking plants they wish to grow. They chose from Henna, Sidra and palm saplings, planting them by the lakeside. Their day ended with an interactive discussion on the importance of protecting the environment and ways in which they can contribute to ensuring its sustainability.