Ms. Jennifer Isidore who applied for planting, is a social entrepreneur, and has been actively involved in the local community to promote grass-root peace movement. After participating in the tree-planting ceremony at Taplow Court in April 2013, she wanted to carry out the Kaki Tree Project as well, and talked to the school principal of Grasmere Primary School, which involves with the community arts programs. The principal showed a great interest in the Project and sent an application through Ms. Isidore.
Prior to the ceremony, a pre-event of the Kaki Tree Project was held on 9 March. Jazz vocalist Mr. Cleveland Watkiss held a music improvisation workshop, and played jazz and African drums along with the children. A lecture on the Kaki Tree Project and origami workshop were also held, and children nurtured a positive mood to welcome the tree.
Fortunately, they had great weather on 24 March, the day of the ceremony, and they hung a thousand origami cranes at the planting site. Children, teachers, parents and local residents participated in the ceremony. They said that they felt the “spirit” of the Kaki Tree Project.
