Rooted in Responsibility: Youth-Led School Greening Initiative in Ein Arik

As part of ongoing efforts to empower young people and foster a sense of civic and environmental responsibility, the Ein Arik Youth Council—working in collaboration with the Village Council and Sharek Youth Forum—launched the “Rooted in Responsibility” initiative at Ein Arik Basic School. The initiative engaged 35 students in leading efforts to improve their school’s physical environment.

Activities focused on planting trees and cleaning schoolyards and surrounding spaces, with a particular emphasis on trees native to the region. These choices were not only ecological, but cultural—reflecting the village’s strong agricultural identity and its deep-rooted relationship with the land. In Ein Arik, farming is more than an economic activity; it is a way of life that carries the values of stewardship, sustainability, and identity.

By reviving traditional practices of land care and connecting youth with their local environment, the initiative served as a cultural bridge between generations, reminding students of the long-standing traditions of their community. These hands-on experiences helped reinforce values of environmental protection, local pride, and belonging, while transforming the school into a more engaging, healthy, and culturally meaningful space.

“Rooted in Responsibility” stands as a model of how youth-led community action can blend environmental awareness with the preservation of cultural heritage, creating a lasting impact on both the physical and social fabric of Palestinian schools and villages.