Climate Action Network Zimbabwe   Supports Green Energy Skills

More than 900 learners at Thomas Coulter Primary School are set to benefit from improved access to clean and reliable electricity following the donation of a 3.5kVA solar power system by Climate Action Network Zimbabwe (CANZIM), in a landmark initiative aimed at promoting sustainable education and creating green employment opportunities.

 The donation, which was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by government officials, community leaders, teachers, parents and learners, also saw approximately 35 young people from Hwange receive practical training in solar system installation and maintenance, equipping them with marketable green skills.

 The initiative is aligned with the principles of a Just Transition, ensuring that communities benefit from climate action through improved livelihoods, access to clean energy and opportunities in the growing green economy. As part of the agreement, the donated solar system now becomes the property of Thomas Coulter Primary School. The school assumes responsibility for safeguarding the equipment from the day of installation, while CANZIM will undertake periodic monitoring visits to assess its performance and sustainability.

 Climate Action Network Zimbabwe National Coordinator Wellington Madumira said the organisation exists to bridge the gap between national climate policies and community action.

 “Climate Action Network Zimbabwe is here to translate government policies into practical local action. We believe climate policies should not remain on paper but should directly improve the lives of communities.”

 Madumira said the installation of the solar system contributes towards Sustainable Development Goal 7, which calls for universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. He noted that access to electricity remains one of the most important enablers of development.

 “Energy is not simply a need; it is an enabler of every development sector. Education, health, agriculture and business cannot thrive without reliable electricity.”

 He added that the youth training programme complements Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises human capital development, innovation and climate change adaptation.

 “By equipping young people with practical solar installation and maintenance skills, we are preparing them for green jobs while contributing to Zimbabwe’s transition towards a low-carbon economy,” he said.

 Mr Madumira further noted that the initiative supports Zimbabwe’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), which target a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, while also contributing to the country’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.

 The practical training was facilitated by Twin Solar Company, whose technicians introduced participants to solar photovoltaic installation, wiring, safety procedures, maintenance and troubleshooting.

 Company representatives announced that they would continue offering free solar installation and maintenance training to interested young people from Hwange, encouraging more youths to pursue careers in the renewable energy sector.

“This is part of our commitment to creating a skilled generation capable of driving Zimbabwe’s green economy,” one of the trainers said.

 The event also featured poetry performances by learners, who used creative arts to highlight the importance of renewable energy in education, environmental protection and climate action. Their performances received enthusiastic applause from guests and community members.

 Hwange District Schools Inspector Mr Moyo commended Climate Action Network Zimbabwe for investing in education through renewable energy, describing the project as a model that deserves replication across the district.

 He urged development partners and stakeholders to support similar initiatives in other schools.

“This intervention directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Reliable electricity creates a better learning environment and prepares learners for a technology-driven future,” said Mr Moyo.

 Acting Head of Thomas Coulter Primary School Ms Dube expressed gratitude to CANZIM and its partners for the timely donation.

“This gift will go a long way in improving teaching and learning at our school. It supports the Heritage-Based Curriculum by creating opportunities for learners to interact with modern technologies while promoting environmental sustainability,” she said.

 She added that reliable electricity would improve digital learning, school administration and other educational activities that were previously constrained by limited access to power.

The initiative reflects the growing recognition that climate action must go beyond environmental conservation to include education, employment creation and community empowerment.

 By combining renewable energy infrastructure with youth skills development, Climate Action Network Zimbabwe hopes to demonstrate how a Just Transition can deliver tangible benefits for local communities while contributing to national and global climate commitments.

 For the more than 900 pupils at Thomas Coulter Primary School, the new solar system represents more than a source of electricity it is a gateway to improved learning opportunities, digital inclusion and a brighter, more sustainable future. Meanwhile, for the 35 young trainees, the programme marks the beginning of a journey into the expanding renewable energy sector, positioning them to become the skilled workforce needed to power Zimbabwe’s green transition.