ABOUT SCOPE ZIMBABWE
Schools and Colleges Permaculture (SCOPE) Zimbabwe is a program of the Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture (ZIP), a registered non-profit (PVO/12/92) and independent trust (MA080/2015). SCOPE provides practical environmental education, helping schools, women, and youth redesign land use for sustainability, promote land care, and strengthen connections with their communities.
Our Vision
Green Schools that serve as learning and demonstration centers for communities, in contributing towards building a citizenry that is consciously working towards long term social, economic and environmental stability.
Our Mission
To increase the level of environmental knowledge, literacy and stewardship among all sectors of the community. Including children, youths, policy makers and the business world through an integrated approach.
Our Values
- Promoting deep and thoughtful care for the environment.
- Emphasis on identification and use of local and indigenous resources and knowledge.
- Inclusive and active participation of the young people in building sustainable lifestyles and education.
- Genuine and wide participation of young people at all levels of our activities
- Making learning fun, practical and relevant.
- Systematic/regular learning from experience and planning ahead strategically
- Ensuring implementation of activities based on creative and well thought out designs and plans
Awards & Recognition
SCOPE Zimbabwe’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has been recognized by leading organizations across Africa and the globe.
UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development
Winner, 2023
SCOPE Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture) received this global prize for its impactful education-for-sustainability programme. The initiative engages schools and communities in agroecological transformation, turning schoolyards into thriving food and learning spaces. The jury praised techniques such as seed saving, mulching, crop diversity, and rainwater harvesting. These efforts promote food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience through hands-on learning. As a laureate, SCOPE joins the ESD for 2030 Global Network and was awarded US$50,000 to support continued impact.
Best AFSA Youth Agroecology Project in Africa
Winner, 2021
The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) recognized SCOPE Zimbabwe for its outstanding contribution to youth-led agroecology. Through school gardens and permaculture training, young people were empowered to become agents of ecological transformation. The award celebrates SCOPE’s leadership in building sustainable food systems, improving local nutrition, and cultivating environmental awareness among Zimbabwe’s youth — creating a model for other countries to follow.
Equator Prize Finalist
Finalist, 2021
SCOPE Zimbabwe was named among 50 global finalists for the UNDP Equator Prize, out of over 600 nominations across 126 countries. The recognition celebrated SCOPE’s innovative, community-based approach to sustainable development and nature-based solutions. Featured in the Equator Initiative Solutions Database, the nomination highlighted the organization’s efforts in climate adaptation, biodiversity, and resilience through participatory school and community initiatives.
UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development
Winner, 2017
Sihlengeni Primary School, supported by SCOPE Zimbabwe, was awarded for transforming its dry, degraded environment into a vibrant, food-producing green school. The project introduced permaculture practices, student-led gardening, and integrated ESD into the curriculum. It became a model for school-based environmental education in Zimbabwe, receiving international recognition for its innovation and long-term impact.
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Implementation and Funding Partners
