St. Joseph’s Hill Secondary School (SJHSS) in Kyembogo continues to lead by example in ecological stewardship and sustainability education. Originally launched in 2019 by Rev. Fr. Richard Potthast, C.S.C., the SJHSS Tree Planting Project was designed to address the school’s high firewood demands for its kitchen while promoting sustainable land use and environmental responsibility.

Each year, the school requires firewood from over 4,000 trees to meet the energy needs of its dining services. Recognizing this urgent need, the school acquired 10 acres of land in 2019 for afforestation. While only four acres were planted initially, the remaining six acres were successfully cleared and planted in December 2023, thanks to the generous support of benefactors through the Holy Cross Mission Center.

40,000 Seedlings, 50 Local Workers, and a Shared Vision

In a remarkable collaboration between the school and its surrounding community, 40,000 eucalyptus seedlings were procured from a local nursery. A team of fifty local workers was hired to clear the land, plant the seedlings, and dig a trench system for efficient irrigation from a nearby stream—essential work during Uganda’s dry season of December through February.

This initiative not only reduces operational costs for the school but also empowers the surrounding community through job creation and environmental involvement.

Reducing Firewood Costs and Preserving the Environment

As SJHSS continues to harvest trees planted in 2019, the seedlings from the 2023 planting will mature by 2028, ensuring a continuous and cost-effective supply of firewood. This significantly reduces the school’s dependency on commercial firewood suppliers, which can be financially burdensome. The school now primarily incurs only the costs of cutting and transport, in contrast to other institutions that must purchase all their firewood at twice the cost.

In addition to financial sustainability, the Tree Planting Project provides valuable real-world learning opportunities. Environmental conservation and forestry management are part of the lower secondary curriculum in Uganda. This forest project becomes a living classroom, equipping students with practical knowledge of ecosystem care and sustainable development.

A Living Legacy

With a student population of 545 and a boarding capacity of 600, St. Joseph’s Hill is preparing not just to educate, but to model sustainability for the future. The Tree Planting Project embodies the school’s mission of holistic education—where ecological care, practical skills, and faith-based values converge for the common good.

The SJHSS community expresses deep gratitude to its donors, friends, and the Holy Cross Mission Center for helping turn this long-term vision into a growing reality.