Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Dete
OVER 8 000 learners from 15 primary schools and eight secondary schools in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, are set to benefit from capacity-building initiatives led by ISANGO, including the establishment of a community knowledge hub.
The French Embassy in Zimbabwe, through the “French Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects” (FSPI), financed the ISANGO project, which focuses on promoting inclusive and adaptive environmental governance of Hwange National Park and its surrounding areas.
Funded to the tune of 600 000 euros, the two-year project commenced in April 2023 and concludes at the end of this month. It is being implemented by a consortium that includes French research institutions CIRAD, CNRS, and IRD, operating under Zone Atelier Hwange, in partnership with a local NGO and community stakeholders. The name “ISANGO” is derived from the Nambya word meaning “entrance or gateway to knowledge.”
Through the establishment of the community knowledge hub and the launch of a mobile exhibition, learners from wards 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 will have the opportunity to explore the importance and role of ecosystems.
The exhibition features interactive displays, educational materials, and multimedia tools designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Learners will gain insights into biodiversity, climate resilience, and the significance of protecting Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s most vital ecosystems.
Speaking at the launch of the community knowledge hub and mobile exhibition in Dete on Monday, France’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Paul Bertrand Barets, stressed the project’s role in fostering sustainable development, inclusive governance, and biodiversity conservation.
“The ISANGO project, supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects, epitomises the spirit of co-operation, knowledge sharing, and inclusive dialogue.
“At the heart of this initiative lies the belief that sustainable development can only be achieved through genuine collaboration involving local communities, governmental agencies, research institutions, and civil society,” he said.
Ambassador Barets described the knowledge hub as a symbol of inclusivity and co-operation, providing a neutral platform where diverse stakeholders can exchange ideas, build mutual understanding, and co-create practical solutions to address socio-ecological challenges.
Ambassador Barets reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s environmental and developmental goals.
“Capacity building is another cornerstone of this project, equipping communities, local authorities, and researchers with the necessary tools to enhance decision-making, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Ambassador Barets added that the establishment of the ISANGO knowledge hub is also a catalyst for continued and strengthened partnerships between French research organisations and the Hwange community.
“Together, we are creating pathways towards a more resilient and equitable future for men, women, and youth, echoing our shared vision for sustainable socio-ecological governance,” he said.
The community knowledge hub, led by a community-based trust known as ISANGO Trust, appointed by the communities of wards 14 to 18, also aims to foster adaptive governance practices.
“Through ISANGO, concrete initiatives have already emerged, such as the landscape regeneration projects in Dirimwe, Ndangababi, and Sobajimba wards, in collaboration with valued partners such as the PORET Trust and Soft Foot Alliance,” said Ambassador Barets.
“These initiatives highlight the strength and resilience of local communities and their critical role in sustaining biodiversity and ecosystems in and around Hwange National Park.”
Ambassador Barets paid tribute to Chief Dingani Nelukoba, who facilitated access to the land for building the hub.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo commended the collaborative efforts of the French government, saying they are contributing to the country’s attainment of an upper-middle-income economy through knowledge, skills development, and innovation.
“I would like to express our sincere gratitude for what the French embassy has done for our communities. The French embassy has proven to be instrumental in positively impacting our communities. This community knowledge hub and the mobile exhibition for schools will have a positive impact,” he said.
“The primary objective of the ISANGO project is to promote inclusive and adaptive environmental governance in Hwange National Park and its margins. The project focuses on co-ordinating efforts across stakeholders — our local communities, local authorities, and researchers — and will particularly emphasise co-development activities that ensure the sustainability of Hwange’s socio-ecological systems.”
Minister Moyo said the industrialisation of the country through its mineral and agricultural resources is key to growing the economy through education, technology, and development.
“A total of 8 000 pupils from 15 primary schools and eight secondary schools will benefit from the project’s capacity-building initiatives. Through robust education, we can mould the thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators who will steer the nation in developing new ideas, creating and using technology, and applying their knowledge to build our nation,” he said.
As part of the initiative, community groups from the five wards, including a school club, were awarded small grants of up to US$5 000 each.
These grants will support innovative projects in fodder production, poultry incubation, fish and mushroom farming, and rainwater harvesting.
