The British Pakistan Foundation; non-profit dedicated to the empowerment and development of the British Pakistani diaspora, are working together with British Pakistani organizations in diverse sectors to mark the 75th Pakistani Independence. Titled The Legacy Project, the aspiration is to create a programme that celebrates the journey and growth of the Pakistani community in the UK, but also leave behind a positive impact for future generations. This is the first time a community initiative like this has launched.
A key activity of the programme is a Tree Plantation event. The British Pakistan Foundation and members of the Legacy Project team, felt that trees are a strong symbol for the immigrant journey; starting off by planting roots in a new country and seeing the seeds of labour flourish into opportunities for future generations.
The tree plantation movement was also deemed appropriate and poignant, because it relates to the Islamic faith. In Islam, planting. a tree has many benefits, Islamically and environmentally. Planting a tree is considered an act of great charity, because once it grows, it produces shade, it produces fruits, and the fruits will feed animals and human beings.
"There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him."
Prophet Muhammad SAW The Last Messenger of God
This is the story that inspired the logo for the initiative as well.
The Tree Plantation activity launches on the 18th of July, with the hope to inspire pride in the Pakistani diaspora community. The intention is to sell as many trees as possible, with the fund directed into The Legacy Fund. The Legacy fund in turn will be used as funding and grants for programmes that work for the development and betterment of those vulnerable in the British Pakistani community.
The Legacy Project aim to plant 7,500 trees across the UK from October 2022 to April 2023. They are working with the National Trust as a partner to achieve this, with their efforts included as part of the Queens Green Canopy project, part of the Jubilee celebrations.
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