https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conservezim-conservezim-402997277_zimbabwe-schools-see-success-in-conservation-activity-7295870906994757633-T2xp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop. Zimbabwe Schools See Success in Conservation The Schools Environmental Clubs, launched in October 2024 by the Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (DanChurchAid)-led Utariri program in various schools in Muzarabani (Mashonaland Central) and Hurungwe (Mashonaland West), have begun to yield positive results. Today Chawarura School in Muzarabani, demonstrates the positive impact, the nutritional organic gardens are flourishing, providing healthy food for the students. Initially introduced in five schools—Chitemamuswe Primary, Chawarura Primary, Chiwashira Primary, Utete and Muredza Schools—in Muzarabani and Hurungwe districts, the environmental clubs now operate in over 20 schools. This expansion was supported by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Ministry of Local Government, and Utariri partners: DanChurchAid, African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Bushlife Africa, FACHIG Trust, and the Future of Hope. The clubs follow a curriculum developed in consultation with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Forestry Commission, who oversee club activities. "We are happy with the project," said Mrs. Govera, Headmistress of Kabidza Primary School. "Furthermore, students who attend these clubs are given a platform to share information with their peers and are encouraged to share what they learn with their families." So far, the clubs have enrolled 720 members, an increase from the initial 137, across the five schools. This growth has led to the planting of an estimated 530 trees, a substantial boost to reforestation efforts a fight championed by MyTrees- Miti Yangu. The aim is to plant 360,000 trees under the Utariri Program by October 2025. The schools hold 25 club sessions per year including visits local game parks and learn about wildlife management. "How do you protect an elephant when you have only heard of it as a source of terror to your village and crops, and have no appreciation of its value in the broader ecological ecosystem?" asked Patience Ukama, Communications Manager at DanChurchAid. "Through these clubs, we are giving these children an opportunity to not just admire their natural heritage but to understand its value. That way, they appreciate the animals as assets and not just a threat." When the First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa and the Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgarde, visited both the Chitemamuswe nursery and garden in March 2024, they praised the efforts of the young people and their teachers of afforestation and mitigation against climate change. Practical activities based on the curriculum include establishing sustainable school gardens using agroecological techniques, rainwater harvesting for water conservation, afforestation, and gully reclamation. The Forestry Commission also facilitated training sessions on nursery development, covering topics such as seedling handling and planting, and nursery construction, ensuring the long-term survival and continuation of afforestation initiatives.