Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube in Mabale, Hwange
ZIMBABWE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), in collaboration with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw), has launched a programme to provide bicycles to students in schools affected by human-wildlife conflict in Hwange and Tsholotsho districts. The initiative aims to enable learners to attend classes without fear of encountering wild animals that often terrorise communities near national parks.
In communities such as Mabale and Dete in Hwange, children often face the risk of encountering elephants and lions on their way to school, resulting in some students dropping out due to safety concerns. To address this challenge, Zimparks and Ifaw have distributed around 100 bicycles to learners in 10 schools, seven in Hwange and three in Tsholotsho.
Zimparks and Ifaw established their partnership in 2019 to enhance conservation efforts in Hwange National Park and support neighbouring communities. The partnership, initially set for five years, has been extended to 25 years with a value of US$50 million. So far, Ifaw has assisted Zimparks in various initiatives, including the construction of Makona Camp, the rehabilitation of a 95km road from Main Camp, the upgrade of a veterinary clinic at Mtshibi Camp, and the purchase of ranger vehicles and operational equipment. Additionally, a one-stop pavilion is being constructed to enhance the game reserve’s facilities.
In line with the partnership’s goals, a junior rangers programme has been implemented, with an investment of US$450 000. The bicycle programme is another initiative aimed at empowering communities and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
The beneficiary schools of the bicycle programme include Mabale, Dopota, Chezhou, Mambanje, Dingani, Breakfast, and Matetsi in Hwange, as well as Phelandaba, Mpilo, and Thembani in Tsholotsho. Yesterday, a handover ceremony took place at Mabale Primary School in the presence of community leaders, representatives from the Hwange District Development Coordinator’s office and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and community members.
Dr Fulton Mangwanya, Director General of Zimparks, expressed his pleasure in handing over the bicycles and textbooks, emphasising that the initiative was based on a needs assessment. He highlighted Zimparks’ commitment to supporting local communities and the importance of the partnership with Ifaw in ensuring the well-being of both communities and wildlife. The partnership has also provided scholarships for approximately 250 children, and Zimparks continues to implement various programmes focusing on water provision and nutritional gardens for communities.
Mr Philip Kuvaoga, the Landscape Conservation Director at Ifaw, emphasised the organization’s dedication to conservation and the importance of investing in education, particularly for Grades 3 to Grade 7. He stressed the need to change the perception of wildlife by promoting positive interactions and reducing the long distances students have to walk to school. Mr Kuvaoga emphasised that conservation should have a human face and that investing in children is crucial for the future of conservation.
Local authorities, including Acting Hwange District Development Coordinator Mr Tilton Jamera and Acting Hwange Schools Inspector Mr Yotamu Mendamenda, expressed their gratitude to Zimparks and Ifaw for their efforts in empowering communities and supporting learners. Chief Dingani-Nelukoba urged the community to use the bicycles responsibly and highlighted the necessity for intervention due to the significant human-wildlife conflict faced by the community.
The bicycle programme represents a significant step toward creating safer educational opportunities for students in areas affected by human-wildlife conflict, fostering peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife in Zimbabwe.
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