Project Overview
Youth Hub is a respected organization with over 15 years of experience organizing relevant events and projects. We create programs that bring together public and private institutions, leveraging their capabilities to give significant benefits to the community and environment.
Our programs not only boost company brand value, but they also have a long-term constructive impact on society. By encouraging sustainable growth and environmental preservation, we assist institutions in developing strong reputations and long-term connections with the public.
Youth Hub aims to create a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable future through innovative and ethical programs.
Project Background & Rationale
Sri Lanka is experiencing increasing environmental pressures, including deforestation, plastic pollution, and rising carbon emissions, which impact biodiversity, climate resilience, and public health. Schools are ideal hubs for fostering environmental awareness, as engaging students early helps develop eco-conscious habits and empowers youth to become long-term stewards of the environment. The Husmak – One Million Trees for One Million Children project aims to plant one million trees across selected schools over the next ten years. By combining tree planting with carbon recovery programs and Zero Plastic Environment initiatives, and by collaborating with public and private sector partners, the project ensures sustainable, measurable impact. Planting fruit trees not only contributes to greener school environments but also supports student nutrition and food security, while inspiring communities to actively care for their surroundings. Through this initiative, students, youth, and communities are empowered to take responsibility for environmental protection, creating a clean, green, and sustainable future for generations to come..
Project Goals
Sri Lanka is experiencing increasing environmental pressures, including deforestation, plastic pollution, and rising carbon emissions, which impact biodiversity, climate resilience, and public health. Schools are ideal hubs for fostering environmental awareness, as engaging students early helps develop eco-conscious habits and empowers youth to become long-term stewards of the environment. The Husmak – One Million Trees for One Million Children project aims to plant one million trees across selected schools over the next ten years. By combining tree planting with carbon recovery programs and Zero Plastic Environment initiatives, and by collaborating with public and private sector partners, the project ensures sustainable, measurable impact. Planting fruit trees not only contributes to greener school environments but also supports student nutrition and food security, while inspiring communities to actively care for their surroundings. Through this initiative, students, youth, and communities are empowered to take responsibility for environmental protection, creating a clean, green, and sustainable future for generations to come..
Project Implementation
Site Selection
Project officers collaborate with school authorities to identify available spaces suitable for tree planting.
Prepare school grounds by clearing, leveling, and ensuring soil quality for optimal growth conditions.
Focus on schools where environmental education and community impact can be maximized, including rural and semi-urban areas.
Tree Selection
Only indigenous fruit-bearing saplings suitable for Sri Lanka will be selected, ensuring adaptation to local climate and soil.
Saplings will be sourced from Ministry of Agriculture-approved nurseries to guarantee healthy and productive plants.
Only saplings capable of bearing fruit within 3–4 years and resistant to common pests and diseases will be used.
Planting Strategy
Follow Ministry of Agriculture guidelines for planting density, soil preparation, and spacing.
Install protective measures such as tree guards or enclosures to safeguard young saplings.
Schools will establish a system for daily watering, monitoring, and periodic maintenance.
Provide fertilizers, soil nutrients, and treatments every three months to ensure healthy growth and high survival rates.
Encourage integration of carbon emission recovery practices and Zero Plastic Environment measures during all planting activities.
Student and Community Engagement
Led by school principals, involving teachers, student environmental groups, junior eco-leaders, and youth volunteers.
Each student receives personal guidance to plant and care for their assigned sapling, promoting ownership and responsibility.
Conduct environmental workshops and awareness sessions on tree care, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable practices.
Organize tree-planting events with parents and local community members to foster collective responsibility and community participation.
Sustainability and Long-Term Care
Assign school caretakers or student groups to monitor tree growth and ensure ongoing maintenance.
Track survival rates and environmental impact of planted trees, including carbon absorption and contribution to school greening.
Encourage integration of project activities into school curricula and extracurricular programs to sustain awareness and care for the environment over time.
Project Timeline (2025-2035)
The project will be implemented in a phased manner, covering all provinces and districts of Sri Lanka by 2035. Each phase will focus on school-based tree planting, student engagement, and community awareness programs.
Phase 1: 2025 – 2027
Western Province
Districts: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara
Establish pilot schools, develop best practices, and create model eco-school gardens.
Phase 2: 2028
North Western Province
Districts: Kurunegala, Puttalam
Expand project with lessons learned from Phase 1; strengthen student and community participation.
Phase 3: 2029
Central Province
Districts: Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya
Focus on hill-country schools, adapting planting strategies to highland climates.
Phase 4: 2030
Southern Province
Districts: Galle, Matara, Hambantota
Promote coastal belt greening and establish fruit tree corridors.
Phase 5: 2031
Sabaragamuwa Province
Districts: Kegalle, Ratnapura
Emphasize agro-ecology and tree planting in gem-mining areas to restore biodiversity.
Phase 6: 2032
Uva Province
Districts: Badulla, Monaragala
Integrate tree planting with drought resilience strategies for dry-zone schools.
Phase 7: 2033
North Central Province
Districts: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa
Large-scale planting to restore dry-zone ecosystems; align with ancient tank and irrigation heritage.
Phase 8: 2034
Northern Province
Districts: Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya
Reintroduce fruit trees as part of post-conflict community development and nutrition programs.
Phase 9: 2035
Eastern Province
Districts: Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee
Final expansion; ensure island-wide coverage and integrate sustainability plans for all provinces.
Monitoring & Evaluation
To ensure long-term sustainability and measurable impact, the project will follow a structured monitoring and evaluation framework:
School-Level Responsibility
A designated teacher, appointed by the school principal, will take full responsibility for the project.
The teacher will work in close collaboration with the School Environmental Club and the Scout Troop, ensuring collective student engagement.
Regular Monitoring Activities
Monthly Inspections: Each month, a school-level observation visit will be conducted to assess the condition of plants and overall progress.
Quarterly Fertilization: Every three months, trees will be provided with the necessary fertilizers to maintain healthy growth.
Environmental Education Sessions: Schools will conduct awareness programs on environmental protection and sustainability to strengthen student knowledge and commitment.
Progress Reporting
Annual Progress Reports will be submitted by each school. These reports will include:
Number of trees planted and survival rates.
Level of student participation and contribution.
Amount of plastic waste managed and reduced within the school environment.
Evaluation Framework
Continuous monitoring throughout the project duration.
Final Evaluation at the end of each three-year cycle to measure:
Tree survival and growth performance.
Improvement in student environmental awareness.
Contribution to reducing carbon emissions and plastic pollution in the school environment.
Community Feedback
Involvement of parents and the local community will be encouraged. Their feedback will be incorporated into the evaluation process to ensure transparency and accountability.
Key Features
Nationwide School-Based Approach
Covers all provinces and districts in Sri Lanka, ensuring equal participation and impact across the country.
Student-Centered Environmental Action
Active involvement of students through environmental clubs and scout groups, making them future leaders of sustainability.
Structured Monitoring System
Regular inspections, fertilization, progress reports, and educational sessions for accountability and continuous improvement.
Integration of Sustainability Practices
Focus on reducing carbon emissions, eliminating single-use plastics, and promoting eco-friendly habits within school communities.
Long-Term Vision (2025–2035)
A carefully phased 10-year plan that ensures gradual, consistent growth and measurable outcomes.
Community Engagement
Collaboration with parents, teachers, and local communities to create a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.
Key Benifits
Carbon Reduction & Climate Action
Large-scale tree planting contributes to absorbing CO₂, reducing the carbon footprint, and combating climate change.
Greener & Healthier Schools
Improved air quality, shaded spaces, and natural beauty enhance the overall well-being of students and teachers.
Enhanced Environmental Education
Students gain practical knowledge about ecology, sustainability, and responsible citizenship through hands-on involvement.
Better Nutrition & Food Security
Fruit-bearing trees provide fresh, healthy food sources, improving students’ diets and promoting better health.
Waste Reduction & Zero-Plastic Culture
Schools adopt eco-friendly practices, reducing plastic use and managing waste more responsibly.
Sustainable Community Development
By engaging local stakeholders, the project strengthens community bonds and creates long-lasting environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
The Husmak Project is a nationwide initiative that brings together schools, communities, and public and private sectors to create a greener, healthier, and sustainable Sri Lanka. Through tree planting, carbon reduction programs, zero-plastic initiatives, and environmental education, the project empowers students and communities to actively protect and develop their surroundings, fostering responsibility from a young age.
Over the 2025–2035 timeline, Husmak ensures long-term sustainability through structured monitoring, maintenance, and community engagement, creating lasting impact in every province and district. Each planted tree not only improves the school environment and student nutrition but also contributes to carbon absorption and eco-friendly practices, reinforcing the values of environmental stewardship.
In doing so, Husmak embodies our broader vision and mission — promoting responsible citizenry, sustainable development, and a clean, green, and preserved country — leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of Sri Lanka.