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On 2 September 2016 the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria planted trees in to celebrate Arbor Week, which is held in the first week of September every year. Planting a tree is one of many ways in which we can build a sustainable environment and care better for our world. Centre staff travelled to Ya Bana Village for the children in Winterveld, North West of Pretoria, a place of safety for some 36 children. The children are cared for by house mothers in a set of beautiful homes on a vast well-kept ground. Centre staff was privileged to meet the founders and the staff of Ya Bana Village and observe the remarkable work they accomplish each day.

This Arbor week initiative forms part of a wider series of events celebrating 30 years of the Centre’s existence. What made Arbor Day significant to us at the Centre is that tree-planting symbolises the birth of new life and the beginning of something beneficial to all. Trees are an essential part of life and something we cannot live without. They are some of the longest living organisms on the planet and one of the earth's greatest natural resources. As we celebrate 30 years of existence this year, we have taken a step back to reflect on our journey. In 1986, we were a mere seed with goals and aspirations. Thirty years later we are offered the opportunity to look back on our contributions to the struggle for equality, justice and freedom in the world around us.

Getting away from the office for the day and giving back to the community is beneficial for reflecting on not only our successes at the Centre, but also on the impact that human rights has on the lives of ordinary South Africans.

Growth never ends, and after 30 years we see ourselves as the small stems that we planted at Ya Bana on Arbor Day, keen to tackle new heights and accept new challenges. Lao Tzu (the Chinese philosopher) said “The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.” There is always more we can do to improve  the lives of the people of our planet.

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