By Maricho Reporter
A PROJECT that aims to increase climate resilience for children by strengthening climate-smart water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education, health, nutrition, child protection, and social protection systems and with a potential to indirectly reach one million people, including children, has been launched.
The Climate Action for the Last Mile will directly benefit 30,000 people and will empower children to engage in climate governance, ensuring they have a voice in shaping climate policies and decision-making processes.
Government, in partnership with UNICEF, and financial support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), launched the Climate Action for the Last Mile: Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe project to strengthen climate resilience for children and vulnerable communities.
It is also expected to improve climate policies, finance, and institutional capacity to ensure children benefit from stronger legal frameworks, enhanced access to climate finance, climate justice, and improved climate policy frameworks to effectively address climate-related risks.
“Tackling climate change requires a multi-sectoral approach, one that integrates climate adaptation into education, health, water, sanitation, and social protection systems The future of our children depends on our ability to build climate-resilient communities, strengthen our policies, and invest in sustainable solutions,” said UNICEF Representative, Etona Ekole.
Zimbabwe faces increasing climate risks that threaten children’s access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services, adequate nutrition, healthcare, education, and protection services. The effects of climate change disproportionately impact the most vulnerable, worsening inequalities and exposing children to food insecurity, disease, and disrupted education.
“Children face heightened risks of food insecurity, waterborne diseases, and limited access to education, all of which hinder their potential and future,” said Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr SIthembiso Nyoni.
“The Climate Action for the Last Mile project will take good care of children. And the benefit will include the assistance for education, health and food. But it may not remain there. The project aims also to enhance children’s engagement by empowering them for active participation in climate governance,” said Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Park Jae Kyung.
This project represents continued support from the Government of Korea for sustainable development and climate resilience in vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe. Other similar initiatives by Korea include drought tolerant maize production, environment-friendly feeding of indigenous chicken by using flies’ larvae and creation of green jobs for youths in rural areas.
