BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
UNICEF Zimbabwe and Wild Horizons have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement climate-resilient solutions in schools near Victoria Falls, in a collaboration which will bring clean water, renewable energy and climate-smart infrastructure to children, teachers and surrounding communities.
Etona Ekole, UNICEF Zimbabwe Representative said: “this partnership is a powerful example of how business and development can come together to create sustainable solutions for children and their communities.
“By combining UNICEF’s child-focused programming with Wild Horizons’ commitment to protecting the environment and empowering communities, we are building models of climate resilience that can be scaled across Zimbabwe.”
The partnership will implement solar-powered, multi-sectoral water systems in three schools: Mkhosana Adventist, Ndlovu, and Sizinda-with direct benefits for education, health, nutrition and employment.
It was added that this collaboration builds on Wild Horizons’ strong community presence and Corporate Social Responsibility programme, which already supports 44 local schools and UNICEF’s expertise in advancing children’s rights to education, health, safe water and protection.
This collaboration also matters because schools in Victoria Falls face multiple challenges linked to water scarcity, climate change and fragile infrastructure.
“By introducing renewable energy-driven water systems, this collaboration will deliver far-reaching benefits across sectors.
“By strengthening education and WASH, children will gain access to clean water, which will improve hygiene and menstrual health management, and reduce absenteeism, particularly among girls. Improved water connections to nearby health facilities, including the Ndlovu maternity ward, will enhance maternal and child health outcomes.
“At the same time, school gardens irrigated through solar-powered water systems will boost food security and promote climate-smart agriculture, equipping learners with practical knowledge on resilience.
“The initiative will also create pathways for youth employment, as Wild Horizons provides training in solar and water technologies, empowering young people with skills for sustainable livelihoods,” read a statement on the partnership.
“Wild Horizons is built on the foundation of community. This partnership with UNICEF allows us to expand that commitment—ensuring healthier schools, stronger families, and a greener future. We are combining our resources and expertise to improve the lives of children and families while also contributing to environmental sustainability. Together we can create a model of resilience that inspires far beyond Victoria Falls,” said Wild Horizons CEO.
This initiative supports the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Clean Green Zimbabwe Initiative and contributes to the national climate adaptation agenda and it aligns with the Zambezi River Basin regional initiative, which spans eight countries and impacts over 41 million people.
“If successful, this model could be scaled up to the 44 schools already supported by Wild Horizons and replicated across other provinces, complementing UNICEF’s ongoing collaboration with KOICA, FCDO, TUI Care Foundation, and Welthungerhilfe (WHH),” added the statement.
UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child, working in 190 countries and territories to ensure vulnerable children have access to education, health, safe water, and protection.
And Wild Horizons is one of the largest tourism operators in Victoria Falls, with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and community development.
Through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Wild Horizons supports 40 schools, promotes biodiversity conservation, and contributes to the health and well-being of local communities.
