Donate at our Go Fund Me fundraising page – click here https://www.gofundme.com/f/zimbabwes-first-biodiversity-learning-centre
Thank you for coming here to find out more about our exciting and (hopefully) inspiring project. On this page we explain
- What the Project is about and why it matters
- Progress so far
- How we will deliver
- Transparency and Trust – About Peza Trust – Our credentials.
What is the Chimanimani Biodiversity Learning Centre all about?
This project is the culmination of an initiative called “Sport to Conservation” which we began with a group of troubled and disadvantaged kids in 2010. This building will provide a safe and innovative learning space focusing primarily on teaching local children about the amazing and unique environment they live in. And more importantly how to protect it for their future.
The Chimanimani Mountains are one of Africa’s natural wonders with the power to enchant the imagination. But none of this mattered when, in the early hours of March 15th 2019, Cyclone Idai struck. Devastating floods and landslides tore through the region, destroying homes and lives.
The disaster revealed how vulnerable communities become when the mountain ecosystem is damaged and loses its ability to protect them.
Our task is to address this by establishing a learning centre in Chimanimani delivering the knowledge and skills which will enable the people of Chimanimani and especially the youth, to stand as guardians of the future.
We live at the top of the hill… where the rivers begin. Our mission is to alert our community that WE are the privileged custodians of the magnificent Water Towers known as the CHIMANIMANI Mountains and highlight the need to understand exactly how they work and how we can protect them.
This project, the first ever BIODIVERSITY LEARNING CENTRE IN ZIMBABWE, needs your help please.
PROGRESS SO FAR
Update 20th November 2025: We have removed the old asbestos roof, replaced it with IBR, installed new ablutions and set aside a library area, conference room, an outdoor classroom with stunning educational murals which will be used as teaching aids. Huge thanks to BEIT TRUST for funding the purchase of the building and RIFT VALLEY/CICADA for donating all the roofing Timbers.
Follow the news and updates about the Centre here.
HOW WE WILL DELIVER
We have bought an old building in the heart of Chimanimani village, opposite the village green, near to National Parks, Msasa Cafe and Chimanimani FM. When renovated this building will serve as the base for an educational effort aimed at all the youngsters of the district and beyond. Its rooms will have the old tech (an old fashioned library) and the new tech (computers and internet, wi-fi) to enable learning about the environment and specifically how to apply this knowledge within their own rural communities.
Pupils from fifteen primary schools which sit at the foot of the CHIMANIMANI range of mountains will be the first participants. They will arrive by bus at the Learning Centre where they will be divided into three groups and rotate between the main hall, the Water Towers courtyard and the Biodiversity Mural which covers the Eastern Wall. What awaits these youngsters will be an interactive thought provoking experience utilizing great art to create an unforgettable impact.
TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST – About Peza Trust – Our credentials.
Peza Trust was established in Chimanimani in 2010 and later supported by PEZA trust Scotland.
We have deep local roots and proven experience. We have supported many Chimanimani youngsters through the Matsetso Stars Sport to Conservation program to go on and have successful careers in hospitality, business and sports (particularly golf).
Our core principles are:
- Even the poorest children can and should become valued members of their community.
- Respect and reverence for the CHIMANIMANI mountains is at the heart of everything we do.
- Working together is the most important thing a Community can do.
Team:
The project is managed by the Peza Trust team: Jane High, Alexander Muyambo, Chris Wilson and Jose Tekesa.
Chris Wilson, Jose Tekesa, Jane High and Alexander Muyambo
One of the Trust conditions is that all trustees provide their time at no cost.
We are eternally thankful to The Beit Trust (https://beittrust.org.uk/beit-trust-organisation/) for their guidance and a generous donation that got us over the line to buy the building.