Gwanda High student shines at environment international Olympiad

FOR 17-year-old Gwanda High School learner, the journey to Russia is more than just a competition, but a brilliant experience of a lifetime.

For the first time in her life, Betra Sibanda on September 19, 2026 boarded an airplane, leaving the dusty but proud streets of Gwanda for the snowy cityscape of Russia to represent Zimbabwe at the prestigious International Environmental Olympiad.

All this started as a simple classroom idea that has turned into an international triumph as a team of five students from schools around Zimbabwe accompanied by a teacher and observer took position two out of 14 countries.

Sibanda won the gold medal in the individual theoretical category. Her journey to success started when teachers at Gwanda High School saw her spark and encouraged her to enter the competition, nurtured her project and believed that a girl from rural Beitbridge in Matabeleland South could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the brightest young minds from across the world.

Up against thousands of learners from global powerhouses, the young environmental champion has stood tall. With an innovative project focused on climate change and sustainable solutions, she captivated judges and flew the Zimbabwean flag high on the world stage.

Sibanda’s success is not just personal but is a victory for Gwanda High, for Matabeleland South and for every learner from small towns who dares to dream big. It is proof that greatness is not determined by where you come from, but by how far you are willing to go.

Sibanda said it was an honour to represent the whole country in such a positive manner.

“I was born in Gwanda and my primary school at St Christopher’s before being part of the Gwanda High family for my O-level and now am pursuing my A-level studies.

“I got to know about the International Olympiad on climate change and environmental issues from some of my teachers who told us about it and encouraged us to take part. Upon hearing the news that I had managed to take part in the competition in Russia, it was a life changing moment for me.

My first reaction was jumping up and down, playing music and celebrating the big win,” said Sibanda.

She said climate change has been a life threatening problem, which needs to be addressed in order for people to live in peace and harmony.

“Climate change has led to extreme conditions, which include floods and drought where people are dying.

“I hope to learn other development ideas and advanced methods to solve climate and environments and will try to implement these methods and ideas if possible and if l get help from higher authorities,” she said.

Sibanda called on her peers from small towns or rural areas to always be determined to achieving their goals.

“Nothing is impossible if you work hard as good things will always come to you and that is a message to my peers. My parents said: ‘Go for it child, you have made us proud once again’ while my teachers said ‘keep on shining and represent us well’.

“Being part of this competition has given me opportunities to mingle with people from other countries and getting recognition on an international and national standard,” said Sibanda.

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