Location: ZAMBIA
Beneficiaries: Primary and secondary schools
The Project
The School Green Club Initiative at Shibuyunji Secondary and Nampundwe Primary Schools is not just an environmental project; it’s a vision for a sustainable future, brought to life through the enthusiasm of young learners.
This holistic initiative seamlessly blends education with hands-on action, encouraging students to become active guardians of their environment. From tree planting and waste management to biodiversity conservation, the project covers a spectrum of eco-friendly practices. At its core are the organically managed school gardens and orchards, serving as living laboratories where students cultivate not just fresh produce, but also a deep understanding of organic farming, sustainable agriculture, and food security.
What sets this initiative apart is its focus on instilling a sense of environmental responsibility that extends far beyond the classroom. By integrating environmental education into the curriculum, the project equips students with the knowledge, skills, and passion needed to become lifelong advocates for sustainability. It’s not just about creating green spaces; it’s about nurturing green leaders who will shape a more sustainable Zambia.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
The seedgrant supported the establishment of school gardens and orchards at Shibuyunji Secondary and Nampundwe Primary Schools, vibrant hubs of learning and action. With at least 20 learners and 4 teachers actively participating in each club, these spaces have become catalysts for environmental education and organic gardening practices.
The initiative’s ripple effect extended far beyond the school grounds. In 2024, club members took center stage at the World Environment Day celebrations, engaging the community and amplifying the message of sustainability. This visibility culminated in an invitation to present the School Green Club initiative on KBN TV, significantly expanding the project’s reach and inspiring others across the nation.
The project’s success has not gone unnoticed by local authorities. The Shibuyunji local government’s decision to attach an Environmental Planner to the initiative underscores its importance and potential for long-term impact. Collaborations with the Ministries of Education and Green Economy & Environment have further aligned the project with national goals, ensuring its relevance and sustainability.
Perhaps the most exciting development is the initiative’s organic growth beyond its original scope. Levy Mwanawasa University’s interest in implementing an Eco Green Club and the enthusiasm of urban schools like Chainama Inclusive School to adopt similar models demonstrates clearly the project’s replicability and appeal.
To date, approximately 132 individuals – including learners, teachers, and community members – have been directly impacted by this initiative. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Each of these individuals represents a seed of change, planted and nurtured through the support of our seedgrant, ready to grow and spread the message of environmental stewardship far and wide.
The support from The Pollination Project has laid a strong foundation for the School Green Club Initiative, and we are witnessing the growing interest from schools, local authorities, and the community.
The Future
The project team has outlined a comprehensive strategy to build on their success. This includes securing additional funding to support scaling, forging strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, and expanding the initiative to at least 10 schools across the district. They also plan to enhance educational resources and implement robust evaluation mechanisms to ensure continued growth and effectiveness. These steps demonstrate the team’s commitment to nurturing environmental stewardship and creating lasting change in Zambia’s education system.
At The Pollination Project, we’re incredibly proud to have played a part in nurturing this transformative initiative. The School Green Club Initiative embodies our belief in the power of small grants to catalyze significant change. As the project continues to grow, touching more lives and greening more spaces, we’re reminded of the profound impact that passionate individuals like Mr. Anthony Simukonde can have when given the resources to bring their visions to life.
The seeds we’ve helped plant in Zambia are growing into a forest of change, and we can’t wait to see how high these young environmental leaders will reach.
Anthony Simukonde
Anthony Simukonde is a passionate environmental and climate change activist whose commitment to protecting the Earth was instilled from childhood. His activism spans from campus clean-ups and tree planting to awareness campaigns promoting sustainable practices. Anthony leads by example, incorporating eco-friendly habits into his daily life and educating others on the importance of conservation. With an unwavering dedication to a sustainable future, he strives to inspire collective action against climate change, believing that everyone has a role in preserving our planet for future generations.
He’s the Executive Director of Greenit Environmental Management Network.
