Tree-lined avenue instead of paving!

Instead of paving stones, a tree line – this is how the teachers and students of Ady Endre High School transformed their courtyard with the joint efforts of the XIII District Municipality and 10 Million Trees. The strength of the community has literally taken root: in the rain, in the heat, with perseverance.

We asked Agi Proksza, a volunteer from 10 Million Trees who teaches at the school, to tell us the whole story. 

The power of cooperation and community can achieve great things – this was once again proven by the collaboration between the XIII District Municipality, Ady Endre High School, and the 10 Million Trees organization. 

A long-held dream came true: where there were paving stones, now there is a tree line, green space, and perennials: a living, breathing, cooling area. The story in a few words. 

Due to climate change, the temperature in some classrooms of our school has become barely bearable on certain days, weeks, and now even months of the school year. Although we have tried various methods to mitigate the effects of the heat island phenomenon, a truly effective solution has yet to be found. 

As more and more studies prove that green islands reduce the temperature of their surroundings, we decided to take on a significant challenge, or rather, we dreamed of large trees. 

TREES IN PLACE OF STONES

Last school year, we envisioned a small forest (Miyawaki mini-forest) in the garden – and it became a reality. With the power of cooperation. Parents, teachers, former students, and students helped – so much so that we still had resources left to dream.

THE POWER OF COOPERATION

This provided the opportunity to reach an agreement with the Municipality: they undertook to break up the paving stones and dig the hole, while we took care of the soil replacement and the purchase of the plants. This is where 10 Million Trees came in, with whom this is our umpteenth joint story: they reviewed the plan, procured the trees, delivered them, and assisted us with the professional planting. 

It’s not that simple, and yet it is. Cooperation. Common will. Support from many. Agreement, determination, execution. Parents arrive with lots of topsoil in 35-degree heat, while students, former students, and teachers shovel with determination. 

GOOD WEATHER – BAD WEATHER?

We waited three months for good weather, meaning autumn, so that the trees could take root. And when should we plant? – whenever it feels right, or precisely when it feels good – in pouring rain, but with much joy, smiling faces, and further plans, this story came to an end. 

The tree line is ready, waiting for spring to turn green, we are happy – and we continue to believe in the power of community.