CHIMANIMANI was recently declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This status aims to ensure protection of the critical watershed areas where sustainable management of ecosystems is crucial for water supply and control of flood risks.
The success of our BIOSPHERE RESERVE relies largely on successfully conveying an understanding of the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services to our Community, especially to school children. The CHIMANIMANI BIODIVERSITY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE, (CBCLC) STAND 133 CHIMANIMANI village, (presently being renovated by PEZA TRUST, Scotland) will provide a Community space where children from local schools can access the information needed to understand how their CHIMANIMANI mountains form one of the most important water towers of Southern Africa.
The Learning Centre represents the culmination of the an educational program started in 2010 when Peza Trust identified delinquent or disadvantaged children from Matsetso village in CHIMANIMANI. It began with a sports program (football and golf) and grew from an initial group of 22 youngsters to over 90 attending football sessions three times a week and 45 youngsters learning the game of golf. (So far two of whom have played for Zimbabwe and ten for their province of Manicaland). Trust Makanidzani who survived severe injuries during Cyclone IDAI, was our first national player. He is now the Professional coach at the Chimanimani golf course. He coaches a group of children from Matsetso village daily, volunteering his time and skills to make sure the children enjoy the same opportunity given to him by Peza Trust. The new Learning Centre will house a library, teach English, computer literacy and Biodiversity and we hope to introduce a “Zim adapted Roots and Shoots” program growing the dreams of Jane Goodall.
All of this is achieved with private donations and the goodwill of those who know that educating children is the key to achieving successful Environmental stewardship.
Kindly contact Jane High on
Cell +263775920440
For further details about the Biodiversity Learning Centre.
