ECOZI Pushes for Climate-Smart and Inclusive Education

18 June 2025

By Andile Vundla

The Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) has called for a shift towards climate-smart and inclusive education to help the country’s learners adapt to the fast-changing world.

Speaking to SkyzMetro FM, ECOZI Programs Manager Wadzanayi Chitiga emphasized the need for the education sector to prepare for natural disasters, climate shocks, and digital transformation all of which are now part of 21st-century learning challenges.

She said that education systems must go beyond the traditional classroom and start equipping learners with skills that help them cope, recover, and innovate in times of crisis.

“Education must move with the times,” she said. “We are now focused on climate-smart education, it’s no longer optional. We need to prepare learners for disasters and reduce the impact when they happen,”

She also stressed the importance of supporting teachers, describing them as a key pillar in achieving meaningful and inclusive education.

“Teachers are the backbone. If we want climate-smart and inclusive education to work, we must start by taking care of the facilitators of learning.”

Chitiga noted that ECOZI is actively working with government ministries and local organisations to promote systems that support disaster preparedness in schools, improved infrastructure, and better access to education especially for children with disabilities and those in marginalised communities.

“We are talking about building systems that include everyone,” she added. “From second-chance education for pregnant girls to support for children living with disabilities — education must be accessible, flexible, and fair.”