Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Dete
DETEMA Secondary School last week emerged victorious in the inaugural Association for Tourism Hwange (ATH) schools debate competition, hosted at Marist Brothers High School in Dete.
The competition, which brought together eight secondary schools from across the Hwange East constituency, aimed to promote conservation awareness through education. It was part of a broader initiative to encourage youth participation in sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation. Detema triumphed over Songwa and Nechilibi Secondary Schools, who secured second and third place, respectively.
Other participating schools included Dampa, Lupote, Makwandara, Marist Brothers High School and Nembila.
Debaters tackled pressing topics such as balancing tourism with conservation, community involvement in wildlife protection, and sustainable financing for conservation efforts.
The contest featured two rounds of spirited debate and was organised by ATH’s education committee — one of the association’s four core working groups. The remaining committees focus on projects, marketing and safety and security, working collaboratively with communities on anti-poaching initiatives, local development and promoting Hwange as a premier destination.
ATH co-ordinator Miss Shamah Mawoko, described the event as part of a wider vision to connect tourism stakeholders with communities through inclusive, grassroots engagement.
“We are the only organisation that unites the entire Hwange region to foster co-operation between tourism companies, the public sector and local communities. Through our education committee, we aim to raise awareness among young people and nurture future custodians of our wildlife heritage,” she said.
She also announced that the schools debate would become an annual event, with plans to expand it across the district and into primary schools in Dete, Mabale, Lupote, Silewu and Makwandara wards.
Mawoko emphasised that sustainable and impactful conservation must place communities at the heart of decision-making.
“Communities are not just passive observers of conservation — they are key actors. When educated, empowered and involved in decisions, they become protectors of wildlife rather than threats to it. Conservation that excludes local voices is destined to fail,” she said.
To reward participants, ATH partnered with local tourism operators to offer experiential prizes. Detema Secondary School won a game drive and lunch at Hwange Safari Lodge, while runners-up Songwa Secondary School enjoyed a horse-riding experience courtesy of Hwange Horseback Safaris. All participating schools received a universal prize of a farm tour at Gwango Elephant Lodge, offering students a hands-on experience with conservation-focused tourism.
The event was supported by a range of conservation and tourism organisations, including Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), Hwange Safari Lodge, Gwango, Hwange Horseback Safaris, WildCRU, Zone Atelier, Hwange Wildlife Safaris and the Conservation and Wildlife Fund, among others.
ATH is a coalition of private safari operators, tourism suppliers, transport companies, global travel buyers and Destination Management Companies committed to promoting sustainable tourism and conservation in the region.
Speaking at the event, Marist Brothers High School headmistress and guest of honour, Mrs Sizimisele Chidewu, praised ATH for championing the protection of Hwange’s flora and fauna through education and community engagement.
“Conservation is not merely about protecting animals or landscapes in isolation. It is about creating harmony between nature and humanity, heritage and progress, development and sustainability,” she said.
She stressed that community involvement is not optional, but essential for lasting success.
“When communities feel ownership of conservation initiatives, they become the first line of defence against poaching, deforestation and habitat destruction. Education and awareness in schools are the first steps towards building that foundation,” she said.
Mrs Chidewu urged students and stakeholders to turn ideas into action, noting that the future of Hwange depends on the choices made today.
“Let this competition inspire new partnerships, fresh strategies and renewed energy in the fight against climate change, habitat loss and community displacement,” she said.
The event marks a significant step forward in local conservation efforts, placing youth and education at the forefront of safeguarding Hwange’s natural heritage — through the active inclusion of communities, who live within it and are often most vulnerable to wildlife crime and human-wildlife conflict.
