ZOU Marks Clean Energy Day with Major Tree Planting Initiative
On Saturday 24 January 2026, the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) transformed its Hatcliffe Campus into a vibrant hub of environmental stewardship to celebrate the UN-declared International Day of Clean Energy. In a powerful display of “theory meeting practice,” the university’s Sisters in Conservation led a landmark tree-planting initiative that turned global climate pledges into tangible local impact.
Students pose for a photo at Hatcliffe Campus as they celebrate the UN-declared International Day of Clean Energy
The initiative, organized by the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, brought together 20 female students and academic staff alongside the Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA) NGO. The event was designed to underscore the vital role of local solutions in addressing global environmental crises.
As student volunteer Linah Nyakunya remarked during the planting, “It’s not just theory anymore. We are doing our part for the planet“. By applying academic lessons to the hands-on work of afforestation, ZOU is positioning itself as a national leader in sustainability education.
Participants planted 10 indigenous trees, specifically selected for their resilience, ecological value, and deep cultural significance to Zimbabwe. Attendees engaged in deep-dive discussions regarding carbon sequestration and the role of these specific species in restoring local ecosystems.
| Tree Species (English) | Shona Name | Ndebele Name |
| African Walnut | Mungoma | Umgoma |
| Snot Apple | Mutohwe | Umkhuna / Umganu |
| Lucky Bean | Mutsvanzva | Umzimbane / Umkhuna |
| Ana Tree | Musangu | Umupulanga / Umganu |
| Rain Tree | Munondo | Umkhawuzane / Umphafa |
| Wild Medlar | Munyii | Umnini |
The event was a testament to ZOU’s commitment to gender inclusion. The Conservation Sisters, representing female students from the Harare Regional Campus, took the lead in the day’s activities.
“The success of this event is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” said Sibobothekile Moyo, a spokesperson and poet for the Sisters in Conservation. “It’s about building a culture of stewardship and responsibility within our university community”.
This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 1: No Poverty
Organizers emphasized that planting is only the first step. To ensure the survival of these young trees, the Sisters in Conservation will collaborate with the ZOU Works Department on long-term maintenance and regular watering schedule.
Looking forward, Ms. Liliosa Pahwaringira, a Geography and Environmental Studies Lecturer, has called for this to become an annual tradition across all ZOU campuses. “This is just the beginning,” she noted. “With continued support and collaboration, we can make an even bigger impact“.
Tree Planting in Picures
