Healing Land, Uplifting Youth, One at a Time

CHALLENGES TO THE SOLUTION PROPOSED

Zimbabwe's vulnerable communities continue to experience droughts coupled with environmental degradation. High youth unemployment rate is also contributing to social unrest like drug/substance abuse, especially in high density suburbs like Dzivarasekwa which is the project's target area. The project therefore exists to restore degraded land and socio-economic activities through youth and women-led tree nurseries, green skills training, ecological and climate education rooted in Eco-spirituality and inter-generational learning. This will promote Eco-conscious livelihoods rooted in dignity, care for creation, and resilience. 

PROJECT OBJECTIVES 

• Upscale the existing nursery and compost site
• Mobilize and train atleast 10 committed youth (6 females + 4 males) in green skills
• Plant atleast 1000 trees (fruit, medicinal, indigenous, multipurpose, nitrogen-fixing species) at Chichester Convent – a 16 hectares degraded landscape, about 15KM from Dzivarasekwa suburb.
• Promote climate and  ecological literacy
• Support livelihoods through green entrepreneurship

 TARGET PARTICIPANTS 

• 10 direct youth (6 females, 4 males)
• 5 community elders engaged in inter-generational knowledge sharing
• Wider community benefiting from restored biodiversity and nutritious food security
• Local households and institutions accessing seedlings

 HOW IS THE PROJECT INNOVATIVE AND UNIQUE

Unlike many tree planting programs, the project integrates youth empowerment, agroecology, and indigenous knowledge in a faith-inspired and inter-generational model. We combine composting, tree and herb seedlings propagation, and Eco-preneurship training - led by local volunteers and using available resources. This model not only restores the land but nurtures green livelihoods, values, and purpose among youth, distinguishing us as a holistic grassroots solution. This can also be replicated across various communities.

EXPECTED PROJECT IMPACT This project will enhance biodiversity, combat desertification, and improve food and nutrition security. Youth will gain green skills and livelihood opportunities, promoting self-reliance and dignity. Community members and institutions will access herbal and fruit seedlings, inspiring healthy, thriving communities living in harmony with nature. The nursery becomes a hub for schools, faith groups, and local households to learn and act on climate solutions rooted in local ownership and care for creation.

SUSTAINABILITY PLAN We plan to sustain the project through green business advancement - selling surplus seedlings, herbal plants, and compost. Already a healthy foods outlet was established at the forest, where we are selling honey, vegetables and value added products (peanut butter, baobab powder, dried greens, millet meal) sourced from rural producers. Youth will be trained to manage small eco-enterprises, and we will partner with local schools and churches to establish forest gardens. Using locally sourced seeds and compost reduces dependency. Intergenerational solidarity ensures knowledge continuity. The project will also foster long term partnerships including engaging relevant stakeholders and interested organizations for resource mobilization and capacity building, while also promoting community ownership and ecological literacy.

Project Status:

Ongoing using locally available resources. I appeal for funding support to upscale and engage more participant. Interested supporters can a schedule a day for an onsite visit.