Key points:
- A tree-planting initiative gathered learners, parents and teachers in a collective effort to nurture the environment and community spirit.
- Funded by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the project is providing a living classroom for students.
- “Climate justice connects faith with urgent, real-world challenges facing our communities,” said Bishop Gift K. Machinga. “It shows that the church’s mission includes the well-being of both people and the planet.”
In the dusty heart of Hanwa, where the rhythm of daily life often collides with the pressing realities of climate change, a quiet revolution is taking root.
At The United Methodist Church’s Hanwa Mission Secondary School, learners, parents, teachers and church leaders have come together to plant trees, not just saplings, but seeds of hope, resilience and justice.
The initiative, funded by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, is more than an environmental project. It is a living classroom, a spiritual statement and a community movement. Each tree planted carries with it a story of faith, stewardship and the determination to leave behind a greener, healthier world.
Tendai Rebecca Gurupira, who coordinates United Methodist ministry with women, children and youth in Zimbabwe, explained the vision behind the program. “In a bid to strengthen climate justice awareness,” she said, “Church and Society funded a transformative tree-planting project at Hanwa Secondary School. The initiative brought together learners, parents and teachers in a collective effort to nurture both the environment and community spirit.”
She gestured toward rows of mango, orange, citrus and avocado seedlings.
“We planted a diverse range of fruit trees to ensure that future generations benefit from shade, nutrition and a greener ecosystem. To further enhance the school’s atmosphere, we also planted ornamental trees, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment that reflects the beauty of nature.”
For Gurupira, the project is more than creation care.
“This project not only contributes to ecological restoration, but also serves as a living classroom, teaching young learners the importance of sustainability, responsibility and climate justice. One child told me, ‘I will bring my grandchildren here one day to show them the tree I planted.’ That is the kind of legacy we are building.”
Bishop Gift K. Machinga, who oversees the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal Area, framed the initiative within the church’s mission.
“Care for creation is a core part of Christian stewardship and discipleship. The church has a responsibility to protect the environment for future generations,” he said. “Climate justice connects faith with urgent, real-world challenges facing our communities. It shows that the church’s mission includes the well-being of both people and the planet.”
For Machinga, tree planting is an investment in hope and in the future. “It is an act of love, responsibility and faith in God’s creation. Small actions today can have lasting impact for generations to come.”
The Rev. Happy Chipere, who led the planting day, shared his personal journey.
“I started planting fruit trees in 1989 with my father. Since then, I have developed deep passion. For that, I feel we should instill in every child the passion of wanting to plant a tree for their benefit.”
He explained the multiple values of fruit trees. “They give us a healthy and fresh environment; fruits give us healthy bodies,” Chipere said. “They have an economic value as we can sell the excess and get money. In addition, they balance the ecosystem and beautify the environment.”
Chipere’s vision extended beyond Hanwa Secondary School.
“My wish is to see members of The United Methodist Church being more conscious of their role as stewards of trees and realize that they can make a good living with trees. The church should take the lead … through planting fruit trees, and catch the children young and train them on the importance of tree planting.”
Pastor Gladman Kundhlande, Hanwa Mission station chair, drew on Scripture. “Naturally,” he said, “trees are important in providing shelter, food and oxygen to creation. Hence, the church is teaching on vineyard plantation as written in Matthew 20.”
For geography teacher Tinashe Tandwe, the project transformed teaching.
“We planted fruit and ornamental trees, namely citrus, mangoes, oranges, pawpaw and avocados,” he said. “The project has enhanced the teaching of climate justice and sustainability by shifting instruction from abstract theory to practical and context-based learning.”
He explained how the initiative bridges disciplines. “In geography, the project has enabled the integration of key concepts such as climate change mitigation, environmental conservation and sustainable land use into real-life situations. Learners … connect global environmental challenges to local actions.
“In mathematics,” he continued, “real-life data derived from the planted trees is used to teach measurement, data handling and analysis. This interdisciplinary approach has increased learner engagement and strengthens comprehension.”
Simbarashe Hunidzarira, history and heritage teacher, said the tree planting project has reshaped how he teaches.
“By linking lessons to climate justice, students explore deforestation, Indigenous land practices and the cultural value of trees. When I teach the fall of Great Zimbabwe, I use trees to illustrate deforestation and resource management, helping students see how environmental and economic factors contributed to decline.
“The project empowers learners through hands-on experience, community collaboration and student-led initiatives. It raises ecological awareness, connects heritage to conservation and inspires future leaders committed to sustainability,” he added.
For the students, the planting day was unforgettable.
“During the planting of trees, I enjoyed the teamwork,” said Chipo Kachuwa, a Form 3 learner. “Seeing the trees grow and flourish over time with anticipated benefits like providing shade, fruits and animal habitat makes me feel great.”
She imagined the future: “I could picture birds building nests, bees buzzing for nectar and squirrels darting around. Preserving our cultural heritage of fruit trees for the next generation makes me proud.”
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Her classmate Esnath T. Manyika echoed the sentiment. “I enjoyed … planting trees. Digging in the soil and watching a tiny seedling take root is satisfying and connects you to the earth. Working with others builds a spirit of teamwork. Learning new skills about budding, tree species and planting techniques is rewarding. The beauty about trees is that they clean the air we breathe, reduce erosion and make the school grounds healthier.”
Lionel Mashoko, another learner, described the experience as “therapeutic.”
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“Planting trees is such a fulfilling experience,” he said. “We have been inspired to establish orchards at home as income-generating projects. Before completing my studies, I would have my own orchard.”
Community member Irene Mupfupi views the project as transformative.
“We gained a lot of knowledge and skills about climate justice and tree planting contributing to attitude change,” she said. “We have been challenged to establish our own orchards and generate income while maintaining a balanced diet and protecting the environment. We foresee some of us getting employed by the school to manage the orchard. As we benefit from fruits, the wildlife also benefits.”
As the sun set over Hanwa Secondary School, the seedlings stood as symbols of resilience and hope. Each tree carried a story of faith, learning and community pride. The project is not just about planting; it is about cultivating responsibility and justice.
Bishop Machinga reminded the crowd, “Tree planting is an act of love, responsibility and faith in God’s creation and should not be treated as a one-day event, but rather as a way of life.”
Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
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