Online Reporter
Rungano W Gwanzura
Zimpapers Audiovisual Editor
ZIMBABWE is set to send a delegation of secondary school learners to Russia later this month to participate in the International Olympiad on Climate Change, as the country steps up efforts to expose young people to global environmental and climate-related issues.
The Olympiad is scheduled to run in Sirius, Russia, from September 20 to 29, 2026, and will bring together young people from different countries to exchange knowledge and demonstrate their skills and understanding of climate change.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education confirmed Zimbabwe’s participation following an invitation conveyed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
The education ministry said the international event offered learners an opportunity to broaden their understanding of climate change while interacting with their peers from around the world.
“The Olympiad provides an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge and understanding of climate change, engage with other young people from different countries, and showcase their knowledge and skills in environmental and climate-related matters,” the ministry said.
According to the list, learners have been selected from schools in Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and the Midlands, while a teacher from Harare is accompanying the delegation.
The participating learners are Tanatswa Garawaziva, a Form Three pupil at St James Zongoro High School in Mutasa, Olynn Nokutenda Harare, a Form Six learner at Mutondwe High School in Mt Darwin; and Luigi Andile Lunga, a Form Six pupil at Gloag High School in Bubi.
St James Zongoro High School head, Mr Jonah Mupoga, could not hide his joy at the achievement, saying Tanatswa’s selection as the youngest member of the Zimbabwean delegation was a source of immense pride for the school and Manicaland Province.
“We are extremely proud of Tanatswa. For a Form Three learner from St James Zongoro to be selected to represent Zimbabwe at such a prestigious international event is a remarkable achievement for her, the school and the entire Manicaland Province,” said Mr Mupoga.
He said the achievement demonstrated that learners from schools outside the country’s major urban centres could compete and excel on the international stage when given the opportunity.
“She has put St James Zongoro High School and our region on the global map. Being the youngest in the delegation makes her achievement even more special. We believe her journey will inspire other learners at our school to work hard, dream big and realise that their background does not limit what they can achieve,” he said.
Mr Mupoga said the school was rallying behind Tanatswa as she prepared for the Olympiad and was confident she would acquit herself well in Russia.
Also travelling are Betra Sibanda, a Form Six learner at Gwanda High School in Gwanda, and Taponeswa Deon Mathuthu, a Form Five pupil at St Patrick’s High School in Gweru.
The delegation also includes Merrymecy Chakanyuka, a teacher at Oriel High School in Harare, while Ngoni Nhari, an Education Research Officer at Head Office, is also part of the team.
Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Mr Moses Mhike wished the delegation success in its preparations and participation, expressing confidence that the learners would represent Zimbabwe with distinction.
The ministry said it was looking forward to continued cooperation with the organisers and the successful participation of Zimbabwean learners at the prestigious international event.
The Olympiad comes at a time when climate change education is increasingly important for young people, particularly as countries seek to strengthen awareness and develop the next generation of environmental and climate leaders.
