First Lady commends schools for innovative waste management projects
. . . counsels against vice, premature relationships
ENVIRONMENTAL patron First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa on Friday joined thousands of learners and environmental enthusiasts at Rufaro High School here, where she saw breathtaking artefacts produced through the recycling of waste materials under her drive to turn waste into money as part of waste management.
Rufaro High School came out tops in the national Clean Schools Competition sponsored by leading stationery suppliers, Eversharp, in association with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Dr Mnangagwa also held an interactive session with the learners and the community, where she spoke candidly against drug abuse, premature sexual relationships, domestic violence and general lawlessness among youths.
She also toured projects being undertaken by Rufaro High School’s Environment Club, which include waste separation, recycling, fish farming, beekeeping and a herbal garden.
The First Lady pledged to start a piggery project for the host school. This was after learners had informed her that they collect pig waste from the community to make liquid fertiliser for their plants.
She also planted fruit trees in the school orchard and highlighted the benefits of trees to communities. Amai Mnangagwa was charmed by an assortment of recycled products showcased by learners from various schools across the country.
The mother of the nation gave out prizes and certificates to winning schools.
She also donated 6 000 reusable sanitary pads to foster good menstrual hygiene among learners. Addressing the gathering, Dr Mnangagwa started the proceedings by wishing all women a blissful International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The day also marks a call to action in accelerating gender parity.
Amai Mnangagwa extended a resounding applause to all participating schools for their dedication towards promoting sustainable environmental stewardship.
“Today, we not only celebrate your efforts but also recognise the outstanding achievements of the previous year’s champions Pumula High School in Bulawayo and Louis Mountbatten Primary School in Harare.
“They have set a remarkable example showcasing the power of youthful ingenuity in shaping a bright future. It is my deepest hope and unwavering belief that the youth will continue to take the lead in creating a clean, safe and healthy Zimbabwe,” she said.
The competition, the First Lady said, fosters the leadership qualities that the country needs to sustainability drive innovation and build a better tomorrow for all.
“May this competition continue to ignite a passion for environmental responsibility across the entire nation. Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you to applaud the achievements of our students, recognise the dedication of school staff and, at the same time, to also express my gratitude to our esteemed partners.
“The strong partnership among the Environmental Management Agency, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Eversharp has been instrumental in making this competition a success.
“Such commitment echoes the spirit of our national clean-up programme, which has been championed by His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa, since 2018. It aligns seamlessly with the aspirations outlined in the National Development Strategy 1, where waste reduction takes centre stage,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said the competition resonates well with the right to a clean environment that is enshrined in Section 73 of the country’s Constitution.
She thanked the founding institutions for initiating the contest and invited more like-minded partners to join the group for an impactful campaign that will see schools becoming centres of excellence in waste management.
“There is power in collective action, hence I call for dedicated stakeholders to collaborate in these environmental management programmes so that we can save both present and future generations.
“This will pave the way for a cleaner and greener Zimbabwe, where every child can thrive in a healthy and sustainable environment. Special congratulations to Rufaro High School, John Tallach High School and Ruya High School. You stand as the top three in the secondary category and your achievements serve as an inspiration to all.