Story by Nyasha Makota
ZIMBABWE’S education system is taking deliberate steps to entrench global goals by aligning the school curriculum with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in pursuit of Vision 2030.
This commitment was showcased at the SDGs Schools Proposal Writing Competitions National Awards Ceremony held in Harare on Thursday, where learners from across the country were honoured for innovative projects aimed at solving real-life challenges.
Learners presented practical solutions ranging from water harvesting to sustainable agriculture.
“I learnt that as young people, we must think outside the box. I created an underground basement to solve the water challenges in my city, Bulawayo,” said Vanessa Gumbo, one of the participants.
Another student, Zvikomborero Gochera, shared, “I came up with an idea to turn kitchen waste into organic fertiliser. This competition opened our minds.”
The competition was jointly organised by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to help develop skilled human capital required for Zimbabwe’s transformation into an upper middle-income society by 2030.
The Minister of Public Service
Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo said the programme reflects inclusivity in national development.
“This inclusive approach ensures no one and no place is left behind in the nation’s development agenda,” he noted.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Angeline Gata, emphasised that the initiative is about preparing young people for leadership.
“We are moulding future leaders. We have been successful in providing quality education in line with the SDGs,” she said.
The event recognised primary and secondary school students from all ten provinces with certificates and computers, rewarding projects that spoke to clean energy, climate action, and industry innovation.
The government launched the SDGs Schools Proposal Writing Competitions in May this year to raise awareness about the United Nations’ 17 SDGs while nurturing practical problem-solving skills among learners.
