Zimbabwe is facing the severe impacts of climate change, with children experiencing funding issues firsthand. Schools are integrating climate education to empower young learners, equipping them with knowledge to understand and address these challenges. Despite hardships from extreme weather conditions, students show resilience and hope for the future.
In Zimbabwe, climate change has become a pressing reality, affecting daily life through failed crops, water shortages, and violent storms. Communities, particularly in rural areas like Masvingo, confront these challenges firsthand, with local schools like Sikato Primary taking an active role in climate education.
Fungai Makureke, a teacher with over a decade of experience, reminisces about past patterns of predictable rainfall, stating, “Now, we don’t know what to expect.” The recent El Niño-induced drought drastically reduced crop yields and water availability, intensifying community struggles.
To combat these challenges, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and government ministries, is introducing climate education into classrooms. Teachers are equipped with training modules to help students understand the consequences of climate change and inspire resilience.
Eleven-year-old Mollene Masiya from Chitembere Village understands the direct impact of changing weather patterns: “When the rains come, there is food.” However, she also expresses the difficulties faced when water scarcity strikes. After encountering the term climate change, she is eager to learn more.
Similarly, 14-year-old Tapfuma Bhasikoro of Magwa Village reflects on the extreme weather: “Sometimes the storms are so strong, they tear off the roofs from classrooms and homes.” Despite experiencing turbulence in his schooling due to destructive storms, he remains hopeful that increased climate knowledge can lead to positive environmental change.
Climate change is significantly affecting Zimbabwe, particularly its youth, who are being educated to understand and address these issues. Programs like those led by UNICEF aim to empower students with knowledge enabling them to adapt to environmental changes and advocate for sustainable practices. The resilience and hope displayed by children like Mollene and Tapfuma exemplify a growing awareness that could lead to transformative solutions.
Original Source: www.unicef.org
