Primary schools directed to launch 'One Child, One Tree' programme

The Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) has taken an initiative to involve students of government primary schools across the country in tree planting through a nationwide 'One Child, One Tree' programme.

Under the initiative, every government primary school has been instructed to prepare a tree-planting plan based on its student population and develop a calendar specifying when and how the programme will be implemented.

The directive was issued in a recent letter signed by DPE Assistant Director (General Administration) Md Sajjad Hossain and sent to divisional deputy directors, district primary education officers and upazila primary education officers.

According to the letter, the initiative was taken based on a decision made at the DPE's monthly coordination meeting in July 2026.

Under the plan, each school must determine in advance the number of trees to be planted according to its enrolment, identify suitable locations and establish how the plantation programme will be carried out. Schools have also been asked to prepare a detailed calendar with specific timelines for planting.

The DPE stressed that merely preparing plans would not be enough. The plantation programme must be implemented at schools in accordance with the approved plans, with relevant education officials instructed to provide necessary guidance and oversee the process.

The 'One Child, One Tree' initiative aims to introduce children to environmental conservation from an early age. By encouraging students to plant and care for trees, authorities hope to foster a stronger sense of responsibility towards nature and environmental protection.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over climate change, rising temperatures, unplanned urbanisation and environmental pollution. A structured, school-based plantation programme could contribute to increasing green coverage while encouraging students to take an active role in caring for the environment.