Greenhut facilitated a COP31 simulation hosted by Zimsunshine at Plumtree High School on the 18th of June, bringing together young minds for an exciting and thought-provoking climate diplomacy experience. The event featured participation from 10 schools, including Marula High School, Watershed, and Plumtree High School. Each school was assigned a country to represent and tasked with researching the climate change challenges faced by that nation. Four students from each school served as delegates, while four junior members of parliament took on the role of chairing the negotiations. The simulation quickly came to life as each country presented its position. Passionate debates emerged around climate justice, particularly on whether developed nations should bear greater responsibility for financing climate adaptation efforts in developing countries. The students represented their assigned countries with remarkable enthusiasm, confidence, and commitment, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex environmental issues. One of the most inspiring aspects of the event was witnessing primary school students confidently articulate their ideas and engage in discussions alongside secondary school learners. Their boldness, determination, and critical thinking were a powerful reminder that the future of environmental leadership is in capable hands. Following the successful conclusion of the negotiations and the adoption of a resolution, the event transitioned into a quiz competition for both primary and secondary schools. The quiz further showcased the students’ extensive knowledge of environmental and climate issues, with participants answering most questions correctly and displaying exceptional awareness of global sustainability challenges. Winning schools received prizes, while the most active and vocal participants during the COP simulation were also recognized for their outstanding contributions. Beyond the awards, the event provided students with an exciting opportunity to step outside the classroom, connect with peers from other schools, and engage in meaningful discussions on the future of our planet. The COP31 simulation was more than just an educational exercise, it was a celebration of youth leadership, critical thinking, and the power of young people to drive climate action and sustainable development.

“Catch them young” is a well-known mantra that continues to prove its relevance. Raising awareness on critical issues such as biodiversity and environmental conservation becomes even more impactful when young people are actively involved. In commemoration of this year’s Biodiversity Day, the organisation, through the Urban Futures Project, hosted its second annual Biodiversity Essay Competition. The competition aims to nurture creativity among young learners while enhancing their understanding of biodiversity and sustainable urban food systems. Participants were required to choose and respond to one of two essay topics, allowing them to express their knowledge, ideas, and perspectives on environmental sustainability. The response from schools was overwhelming and encouraging. Learners from across the Bulawayo District enthusiastically took part in the competition, demonstrating not only their creativity but also a deep connection with their environment. The essays highlighted the students’ awareness of environmental challenges and their ability to propose practical solutions. Many of the suggested interventions were remarkably similar, underscoring a shared understanding among young people of both the problems facing the environment and the actions needed to address them. What remains is the collective commitment to turn these ideas into meaningful action. Out of the 18 participating schools, Masiyephambili College emerged as the overall winner, followed by Gifford High School as the first runner-up and Premier High School as the second runner-up. The Biodiversity Essay Competition Awards Ceremony was held at Masiyephambili College, where students were recognized and celebrated for their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable food systems. Congratulations to our winners: 1st Place: Thandeka Ncube (Masiyephambili College) 2nd Place: Tamudaishe Munamati (Gifford High School) 3rd Place: Collin Colleta Moyo (Premier High School) The winners received trophies and indigenous fruit hampers, while the winning school was awarded 50 indigenous fruit trees and a floating trophy. The runner up schools each received 10 indigenous fruit trees to support their greening initiatives and strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts within their communities. The indigenous tree species distributed to the schools included waterberry, bird plum, Mexican apple, snot apple, wild medlar, and sausage tree. The indigenous fruit hampers featured local delicacies such as umnyi, umviyo, and uxhakuxhaku. The indigenous fruit hampers generated significant interest among the students, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional food hampers. This deliberate approach was designed to spark conversations about indigenous foods, their nutritional value, cultural significance, and their role in promoting sustainable food systems. Speaking at the event, Director Cinderella Ndlovu encouraged young people to take an active role in environmental stewardship and participate meaningfully in building resilient urban food systems. The event concluded with a tree-planting ceremony, symbolizing a shared commitment to biodiversity conservation and a greener, more sustainable future.

The Agro-Food Systems Accountability Forum (AFSA Forum) is a youth-led accountability and governance platform designed to create a structured space for young people to engage with duty bearers on the implementation of policies related to urban agro-food systems. The forum brings together youth, policymakers, government representatives, and other key stakeholders through recurring dialogue sessions, supported by an accountability dashboard that tracks commitments, resolutions, and progress. This approach strengthens transparency, accountability, and follow through on issues affecting young people and their communities. Young people are the leaders of tomorrow, making it essential to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to advocate for a sustainable future. The AFSA Forum seeks to empower youth by providing them with the information, tools, and platform required to influence decision-making processes and drive meaningful change. As part of this vision, the Urban Futures Project, funded by Hivos and implemented by a consortium comprising the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Organisation (BVTA) as the lead partner, Green Hut, and the Unemployed and Vulnerable Foundation Trust (UVFT) joined the Youth Collective Action for Social Transformation (YCA4SoTra) Project and Zizo Motion Pictures in hosting a Youth Policy and Advocacy Engagement at Tshaka Youth Centre on 16 June. The YCA4SoTra Project seeks to strengthen the capacity, sustainability, and policy influence of youth-led and youth focused organisations across Zimbabwe. The project works with 40 civil society organisations (CSOs) across 10 districts, empowering young people to actively participate in governance processes, influence policy decisions, and advocate for issues affecting their communities. Serving as a foundational step towards the establishment of the AFSA Forum, the engagement provided a platform for Urban Futures youths to learn from the YCA4SOTRA Project how to have meaningful dialogue with government representatives, councillors, and other stakeholders on issues affecting youth and their communities. Participants engaged in discussions on climate action, agro-food systems, sexual and reproductive health rights, child protection, digital transformation, and youth empowerment. Through these conversations, they identified key challenges and developed practical recommendations to inform policy development and community action. The discussions were vibrant and insightful, with participants demonstrating passion, determination, and a strong commitment to addressing issues that affect their lives. Stakeholders and duty bearers present at the engagement provided valuable guidance on the various thematic areas and supported young people in refining their advocacy priorities into practical, evidence-based, and achievable policy recommendations. The engagement highlighted the power of youth-led advocacy, evidence-based dialogue, and collective action in shaping sustainable and inclusive development. It reinforced the importance of creating spaces where young people can actively participate in decision-making processes and hold leaders accountable for commitments made. Together, we are building a generation of informed, empowered, and active citizens who are driving positive change and contributing to more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

As the climate crisis deepens, it’s becoming clear that no action is too small. Every seed sown, every tree planted, and every child educated is a step toward a more resilient and sustainable future. At Green Hut, we believe in planting the roots of change early. That’s why, together with Hivos and our partners in the Bulawayo Urban Futures consortium (Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association, African Food Revolution, and Unemployed and Vulnerable Foundation Trust) we’ve launched an exciting new initiative: School Food Forests. This project is taking root in primary and high schools across Bulawayo, starting with a pilot at Prestige High School in Cowdray Park. The goal is to build vibrant food forests and active environmental clubs that empower students with practical knowledge about climate change, agroecology, permaculture, composting, water harvesting, and climate-smart farming. These food forests are living classrooms that offer hands-on experiences and tie into academic subjects like food and nutrition, agriculture, and geography. Students not only learn how to grow food, but they also learn how to care for ecosystems, work together, and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment. So far, we’ve planted 60 trees at Prestige High School with 60% indigenous species and 40% exotic. This wasn’t by chance. Indigenous trees are better suited to our local climate and require less maintenance, making them key players in building climate-resilient communities. Trees like Bird plum (umnyi) and snot apple (uxakuxaku) sit alongside lemon trees, while underneath them, vegetables like rape and lettuce grow in the shade. Herbs like mint, thyme, oregano, comfrey, and parsley add to the biodiversity. The design mimics natural ecosystems, as each plant has a purpose, supporting the others. The shade from the trees reduces evaporation, protecting crops during dry spells. It’s a beautiful balance of productivity and sustainability. Importantly, this project is reconnecting young people with indigenous foods and forgotten flavours. In an age of fast foods and imported produce, we are reminding students of the value and taste of traditional fruits and crops. It’s also planting the idea that green careers are possible, meaningful, and essential. We know that not all students shine in traditional classroom settings, but in the food forest, many are discovering new talents and interests. They are getting their hands dirty, learning by doing, and finding joy in watching something grow. They’re challenging the old idea that farming needs lots of land and money. We are showing them that with knowledge, care, and creativity, even a small schoolyard can become a source of food, pride, and learning. The response so far has been heartwarming. At Prestige High, students are eager to learn, quick to volunteer, and excited to show off their gardens. Some even take the initiative to water plants during break time and over the weekends. The food forest has become a favorite space and part of the classroom. Looking ahead, we’re hopeful. We see a future where more schools join the movement, more children become eco-leaders, and our urban food systems are transformed from the ground up by the very youth who will inherit them.

In recognition of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025, Greenhut and its partners under the Urban futures program supported by HIVOS, are launching an essay competition for high school students under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.” This initiative seeks to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the critical link between biodiversity, local food systems, and climate-resilient development. The competition aims to encourage students to think critically about how human food systems impact biodiversity and to explore innovative, sustainable approaches that align with nature. By engaging young minds, we hope to inspire a generation of environmental stewards who understand the importance of preserving ecosystems while securing food for future generations. We invite high school students in Bulawayo to participate in this essay competition. Your engagement will help amplify student voices and strengthen a culture of environmental responsibility in our communities. Essay Competition Call: Are you passionate about the environment, food and the future of our planet? Join our Biodiversity and Food Systems Essay Competition in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025! This is your chance to share your ideas on how we can live in harmony with nature while building sustainable food systems. #Forwardwegrow #UrbanFutures Choose ONE question below: 1.“In what ways can local food systems promote biodiversity while supporting community development and food security in Zimbabwe?” 2.“How does urban agriculture threaten biodiversity, and what sustainable alternatives can young people advocate for to create a balanced relationship with nature?” Competition Rules • Essays must be a maximum of 3 pages long • One essay entry per student • No Copy and paste responses (creative thinking and analysis are encouraged) Prizes Floating trophy for the winning school Trophy for winning student Assorted goody bag for winning student  SUBMISSION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE 2025 Essays can be submitted via email: memory@greenhut.org or via WhatsApp +263 7 83354317 or physically: 8 Swansea Street, Belmont, Bulawayo