Binga Environmental Clubs Expo Inspires a Generation
Compiled by Tafadzwa Mvududu
“Amai Kuda ndomuitaseiko, Amai Tafa ndomuitaseiko, Kumusana havakwane ndovaitaseiko” – Mother what should I do with Kuda, Mother what should I do with Tafa, they are too big for me to carry them on my back, what should I do with them?
Students from ten secondary schools sang in a jovial mood as they welcomed the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) which was hosting its first ever Environmental Clubs Expo in Binga. On this day, the students had gathered for the inaugural Green Futures Environmental Clubs Expo, a landmark event organized by ZELA with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
Among the students, I caught a glimpse of Bathabile Sibanda, an energetic 15-year-old from Manjolo High School. “I’m so excited to be here!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining. “Our environmental club has been working hard since last year, and now we get to show everyone what we have achieved and how serious we are about environmental conservation.”
Bathabile and her peers defy the fact that they are from one of the most marginalized communities, where a delicate balance between people and wildlife is a daily reality. These young environmental champions are determined to be the voice for change.
As I made my way through vibrant displays of innovative projects being done by the environmental clubs, I was struck by the creativity and passion of the students. At the Siyansundu secondary school stand, students showcased necklaces, bangles, baskets using litter that they picked up as a club around their school.
“After being trained by ZELA at our school, we realized that we could do more with litter, rather than burning it. So, we introduced the recycling system and look at us now! We are making a lot of things from litter and in the long run we are going to generate money for our club from this,” said Thandekile Moyo a student from Siansundu secondary school.
The expo was also a platform for arts-based advocacy, educational exhibits, interactive quizzes, edutainment performances, debates, and musical presentations among many other activities that helped participants gain invaluable knowledge and skills to tackle issues such as deforestation, pollution, wildlife crime, human-wildlife conflict and climate change.
“We want to use art to connect with our community,” explained Marvelous Dube, a member of Chasamba secondary school environmental club which acted out a dramatization to promote environmental protection. “When people see our drama about different environmental crimes, the consequences and solutions, they can’t help but be inspired to take action and combat environmental crimes.
Thus, the expo was more than just a showcase but a platform for empowerment. I saw firsthand the results of ZELA’s work to establish e-clubs in 10 schools across Binga district. This was confirmed by Mr Masungo, Binga District Schools Inspector:
“These young people are the future guardians of our environment. By nurturing their passion and equipping them with the right tools, we are ensuring that the fight for conservation continues long after we are gone,” he said.
I also had conversations with representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Zimparks, and the Binga Rural District Council, who made it clear that ZELA’s efforts had resonated far and wide. They praised the E-Clubs initiative for its holistic approach, which not only addressed environmental issues but also championed the rights of children.
“It’s not just about trees and animals,” said Mbalenhle Masuku, a student from Tinde High School. “It’s about our right to a healthy, sustainable future. And we are going to fight for it, every step of the way!”
Lessons Learnt
Engaging and empowering young people from marginalized areas is crucial for driving sustainable, long-term change. By establishing environmental clubs in 10 secondary schools in Binga, ZELA accessed a well of untapped potential, providing these students with the platforms, resources, and support they need to become agents of environmental transformation.
This focus on youth leadership and community-based action is particularly powerful when applied to marginalized regions. In areas like Binga, where environmental concerns are often linked to socio-economic challenges, engaging young people can have a multiplier effect, addressing not just ecological issues, but also social inequities and the rights of vulnerable populations.
It is vital to integrate environmental education with artistic expression and advocacy. By encouraging the students to use arts-based advocacy, the organization tapped into the inherent creativity and passion of young people, empowering them to become powerful communicators and catalysts for change.
Art-based approaches not only help to build emotional connections with the broader community, but also foster a sense of ownership and pride among young participants. As they see their messages and visions come to life through their artistic creations, they develop a deeper investment in the environmental cause, and a stronger motivation to continue their advocacy efforts.
Moreover, ZELA’s emphasis on building partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, conservation authorities, and community leaders, is a crucial element that could be replicated elsewhere. By fostering these collaborative relationships, the organization has been able to amplify the voices of the young environmental advocates, while also securing the buy-in and support of key decision-makers.
This multifaceted, community-driven approach could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other marginalized regions, where young people often lack access to resources and platforms for meaningful engagement.
Ultimately, ZELA’s approach in Binga demonstrates the immense potential of youth-led environmental initiatives, particularly when they are grounded in the unique needs and strengths of the local community. As other marginalized communities seek to address their own environmental and social challenges, they would do well to look to the example set by the young environmental champions of Binga.