By Ndumiso Tshuma
To address the needs of children and to protect them from the consequences of climate change, the Tourist Union International (TUI) Care Foundation and Dutch National Committee for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have signed an agreement to introduce climate awareness to children and support environmental education in Zimbabwean schools.
The agreement is part of the TUI Junior Academy project that will be supporting the Clean Green Zimbabwe Initiative introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife with support of UNICEF Zimbabwe.
In a statement released by UNICEF, the Clean Green Zimbabwe programme aims to harness the power of children and young people as environmental stewards and change agents in communities and schools.
“To respond to the needs of children and to protect them from the consequences of climate change, the Government of Zimbabwe, led by the Ministry of Environment,Climate and Wildlife, with the support of UNICEF Zimbabwe, has developed the Clean Green Zimbabwe Initiative,” said UNICEF.
“The programme aims to harness the power of children and young people as environmental stewards and change agents in communities and schools,while providing climate resilient services to allow them to survive, develop and thrive in a safe and clean environment.”
UNICEF stated that the TUI Junior Academy will support the project Clean Green Zimbabwe for three years between 2024 and 2026, focusing on Clean Green Schools, with the objective of reaching at least 81 000 children and 2 640 teachers in 240 schools.
In the statement, Executive Director of TUI Care Foundation Alexander Panczuk said children and young people play a pivotal role in conserving nature and wildlife when they have been empowered to become ambassadors for a sustainable environment.
“Children and young people can play a pivotal role in conserving nature and wildlife when they are empowered to become ambassadors for a healthy and sustainable environment.This is at the core of the TUI Care Foundations Junior Academy Programme,which enables youngsters to safeguard nature and wildlife whilst also raising awareness about the splendour and vulnerability of the natural world,” said Panczuk.
UNICEF representative of Zimbabwe Dr Tajudeen Oyewale, was quoted saying that urgent action is therefore required to reduce the impacts of climate change and environmental crisis on children.
“Urgent action is therefore required to reduce the impacts of climate change and environmental crisis on children, allowing them to realise their potential and fulfil their rights,” said Oyewale.
Then Minister of Environment, Climate and Water, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, who has been reassigned to another portfolio, said by investing in the environment, the country was investing in its future.
“The Clean Green Zimbabwe Initiative will propel a whole of government approach in creating a legacy of sustainability, resilience and prosperity that will benefit generations to come. Together, as we seek to achieve the Vision 2030, let us seize this opportunity to transform young lives, protect our planet and build a better Zimbabwe for all,” Ndlovu said.
The Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Margret Verwijk stated children can be powerful agents of change when given the tools and space.
“The Netherlands prioritises young people in our work on human rights,the economy,and climate change.It is encouraging to see how The Clean Green Zimbabwe initiative will improve school spaces,and tailor them to support the next generation to live more sustainability,” Verwijk said.
“The diffusion of learning from the schools into families and the wider community will happen naturally over time and yield results far into the future.”
