NEW: Government, UNICEF initiative to benefit 30 000 people

Theseus Shambare
A new climate resilience initiative launched by the Government, UNICEF, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on Monday is set to benefit 30 000 people directly and one million indirectly.
The “Climate Action for the Last Mile: Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe” project, which was launched at Kuwadzana High School 3, Harare, will strengthen climate-smart social services and infrastructure, focusing on vulnerable children and communities.
The project will enhance access to climate-smart water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education, health, nutrition, child protection, and social protection systems.
It also seeks to improve climate policies, finance and institutional capacity, empowering children to participate in climate governance.
“Children face heightened risks of food insecurity, waterborne diseases, and limited access to education, all of which hinder their potential and future,” said Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni.
The initiative comes as Zimbabwe faces increasing climate risks that threaten children’s access to essential services.
The effects of climate change disproportionately impact the most vulnerable, worsening inequalities and exposing children to food insecurity, disease, and disrupted education.
“The Climate Action for the Last Mile project will take good care of our children,” said the Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Park Jae Kyung.
“And the benefit will include the assistance for education, health and food. The project also aims to enhance children’s engagement by empowering them to actively participate in climate governance.”
UNICEF Representative, Ms Etona Ekole, emphasised the multi-sectoral approach required to tackle climate change.
“Tackling climate change requires a multi-sectoral approach, one that integrates climate adaptation into education, health, water, sanitation, and social protection systems,” she said.
“The future of our children depends on our ability to build climate-resilient communities, strengthen our policies, and invest in sustainable solutions.”
The project represents continued support from the Government of Korea for sustainable development and climate resilience in vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe, building on previous initiatives such as drought-tolerant maize production and green job creation for rural youth.