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Govt to pilot schools proposals for SDGs
21 Sep 2025 at 08:03hrs | 952 Views
Zimbabwean authorities have pledged to adopt and pilot innovative proposals developed by students at the inaugural Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Schools Proposal Writing Competition National Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday in Harare.
The event brought together winning students from all 10 provinces, alongside educators and senior government officials who emphasised that youths are critical partners in achieving the country's development targets.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Edgar Moyo, highlighted the urgency of the task, citing the 2025 Global Sustainable Development Report which notes that 48 percent of global SDG targets are off track.
"Yet, amid global difficulties, the voices and ideas of our young people have resonated with conviction, courage, and hope," Minister Moyo said.
He praised innovative proposals such as an inclusive after-school digital club for people with disabilities, proposed by a student from Masvingo, and a community-based recyclables cooperative. "These initiatives embody the core of the SDGs. The proposals today will inform our policy-making, guide our budgeting priorities, and shape partnerships," he said.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Angeline Gata, underscored the importance of nurturing critical thinking and leadership through education. She announced plans to engage regional education directors to pilot the most promising student initiatives across schools in all provinces.
Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Director, Spiwe Nyamatore, representing Minister Charles Tawengwa, said the government is committed to ensuring that proposals from all regions, whether urban or remote, are given equal consideration.
Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Willard Manungo, highlighted Zimbabwe's progress on specific SDGs, including being on track for Climate Action and Responsible Consumption.
The awards ceremony demonstrated the government's commitment to devolution, inclusive development, and youth participation in shaping Zimbabwe's sustainable development agenda.
The event brought together winning students from all 10 provinces, alongside educators and senior government officials who emphasised that youths are critical partners in achieving the country's development targets.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Edgar Moyo, highlighted the urgency of the task, citing the 2025 Global Sustainable Development Report which notes that 48 percent of global SDG targets are off track.
"Yet, amid global difficulties, the voices and ideas of our young people have resonated with conviction, courage, and hope," Minister Moyo said.
He praised innovative proposals such as an inclusive after-school digital club for people with disabilities, proposed by a student from Masvingo, and a community-based recyclables cooperative. "These initiatives embody the core of the SDGs. The proposals today will inform our policy-making, guide our budgeting priorities, and shape partnerships," he said.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Angeline Gata, underscored the importance of nurturing critical thinking and leadership through education. She announced plans to engage regional education directors to pilot the most promising student initiatives across schools in all provinces.
Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Director, Spiwe Nyamatore, representing Minister Charles Tawengwa, said the government is committed to ensuring that proposals from all regions, whether urban or remote, are given equal consideration.
Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Willard Manungo, highlighted Zimbabwe's progress on specific SDGs, including being on track for Climate Action and Responsible Consumption.
The awards ceremony demonstrated the government's commitment to devolution, inclusive development, and youth participation in shaping Zimbabwe's sustainable development agenda.
Source - The Herald
