23 September 2024: One Home UnivEARTHsity’s Earth Week at the Catholic University of Zimbabwe

On September 23, 2024, the Catholic University of Zimbabwe proudly hosted an impactful event as part of the first week of the 7 Year One Home Journey: the Earth Week Zimbabwe.  This first ever Earth Week, in partnership with Integral Kumusha, co-founded by Dr. Daud Taranhike and Christina “Mai Chimuti” Taranhike; Home for Humanity, co-founded by Prof. Alexander Schieffer and Dr. Rama Mani; and Great Zimbabwe University, brought together change agents, students, educators, and key stakeholders to reflect on the critical theme of sustainability in Zimbabwe and the world.

The event highlighted the urgent need to embrace sustainability at every level—household, community, and national—and served as a call to action for all attendees.

• Key Highlights

Emphasizing Sustainability at All Levels

A key takeaway from the event was the critical importance of implementing sustainability practices across households, communities, and the nation. We were reminded that initiating sustainable projects at the family level can be a powerful tool in addressing challenges such as famine and unemployment. Simple actions like home gardening and producing organic manure can significantly improve community health and resilience.

• The Power of Social Cohesion and Education

The discussions stressed the importance of social cohesion within families and communities. By fostering unity, we can better confront our shared challenges. The event also introduced Education 5.0, a forward-thinking educational approach aimed at fostering innovation among students, preparing them for the evolving demands of sustainability in Zimbabwe.

• Promoting Health and Well-Being

Health consciousness was a recurring theme. Participants were encouraged to embrace healthier lifestyles, including the consumption of traditional, nature-sourced foods. Reflecting on our personal roles in nature’s preservation was considered vital for both individual growth and community well-being.

• Empowerment and Environmental Stewardship

A significant portion of the event focused on women's empowerment as a critical factor in poverty eradication. Participants explored the importance of green energy and responsible consumption, emphasizing our role as Earth’s stewards. This aligns with the broader understanding that sustainability is a shared responsibility that requires both individual and collective efforts.

• Envisioning a Sustainable Future

Looking ahead, participants envisioned a future over the next seven years where humanity and nature thrive together. Climate change realities, such as the El Niño-induced droughts and floods, were addressed, stressing that without proactive responses, nature will continue to fight back. Immediate action is crucial to safeguard our future.

• Utilizing Indigenous Knowledge for Community Development

The event underscored the value of Indigenous knowledge systems in addressing global crises while preserving the environment. Participants discussed the importance of sustainable development in rural areas, especially for retirees returning home, and the need to build resilient communities that cater to all generations.

• Inaugurating the first Unity Park in Zimbabwe

In a symbolic act of commitment, attendees participated in inaugurating the first Unity Park in Zimbabwe. The Unity Park is an integral initiative of the One Home Journey, whereby every Unity Park around the world plants trees for each country in the world. This tree-planting initiative, embodies also the belief that "a tree today is a forest tomorrow." The active involvement of students, educators, and stakeholders highlighted the collective responsibility we share to build a world in which all countries and cultures can live in unity, and in nurturing a sustainable environment.

• Leveraging Social Media for Change

Finally, the event called on young people to harness the power of social media to share knowledge and raise awareness. It is vital for the youth to embrace their role as change-makers, fostering a culture of sustainability within their communities.

Conclusion

The Earth Week of the One Home UnivEARTHsity, opening the ONE HOME JOURNEY, hosted at the Catholic University of Zimbabwe was a powerful reminder that the journey toward sustainability begins with each of us. By taking individual and collective action, we can pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Let’s unite and commit to being the change we wish to see in the world.

And join the One Home Journey and One Home UnivEARTHsity by clicking here

Written by Wadzanai G. Nyakabau,

Student President of the Catholic University of Zimbabwe