Lusitania pupils scoop top global environmental awards

TEN pupils from Lusitania Primary School in Greendale in Harare came top in the Global Sustainability Awards after demonstrating different uses of recyclable plastic and ways of reducing plastic waste.

The pupils competed with other pupils from 40 African countries in the Global Sustainable Development competition and won scholarships for minecraft and robotics.

The pupils formed two teams, Sun, Moon and Stars (Suchana) Plastic Warrior Geeks which demonstrated different uses of recyclable plastic and ways of reducing plastic waste and Mother Earth which focused on environmental clean ups.

Suchana Plastic Warrior Geeks comprised Matipa Mugabe, Caitlyn Kanojerera, Panashe Mungure, Ashley Muziwi and Tapiwanashe Mafumo and they were being mentored by Mrs Kathleen Chipadza while Dr Patricia Gonde is the head of academics.

Mother Earth comprised Mudiwawashe Mureriwa, Nathan Marasha, Kunashe Mwakutuya, Barry Chovivifa and Nenyasha Saungweme being led by Mt Kilford Mukarati as the mentor and Dr Gonde as the head of academics.

The two teams made a rain gauge, cup anemometer, flower pots, pencil cases and pencil holder using plastic and planting trees among the clean-up measures.

The winning project focused on climate change and ways on how best people can protect the environment.

Dr Gonde said she was happy that the school did not only come out top at the competitions but lifted the country’s flag high.

“President Mnangagwa has been advocating through the new curriculum Education 5.0 for students to be creative and innovative,” she said.

“We happy that they are now able to combat climate change and contribute to the sustainable development goals.

“They are now aware of the environment and we are garnering education for sustainable development which

keeps the environment clean.”

Mrs Chipadza the competitions were an eye opener for the pupils as they have learnt a lot covering the 21st millennium education system.

“Our kids are very innovative and their parents are happy that their children are now environmentally friendly.

“They are making products which they can sell and have a little income for themselves.

“They now do not consider plastics as a waste but a raw material that can be recycled. They are also going green by reducing carbon footprints,” she said.