mbulelo smpofu
Ashley Phiri, ashleyphiri66@gmail.com
THROUGH innovative programmes and hands-on activities, St Augustine’s College in Bulawayo is leading the way in nurturing environmental stewards from a tender age.
The school is shaping its learners into becoming responsible caretakers of the planet Earth.
The planting of 65 trees at the school demonstrated the institution’s commitment to going green, with a goal of reaching 100 trees by the end of the week.
St Augustine’s College is a Roman Catholic-run High School, which opened its doors in January this year and is housed at the former Seminary premises at number 16523 Netherby Drive, Sunnyside suburb, Bulawayo.
The tree planting event saw students, parents, and teachers come together to make their mark in history by planting trees of various species including fruit trees, indigenous trees, and exotic trees.
St Augustine’s College headmaster, Mr Thomas Khumalo, emphasised the importance of this initiative, aligning it with Pope Francis’s vision of caring for the environment.
“This exercise is not just about planting trees, it’s about instilling a sense of responsibility towards our environment in our students as the Pope, our leader as Catholics says: ‘we do not only say things but like to demonstrate what we say with action’.
“Once a week we go around the school and collect all the materials we should not be having at the school and we bin them so that we have a clean environment. Our aim is to become an ecologically friendly environment,” he said.
Mr Khumalo said the school aims to cultivate a culture of environmental consciousness among its pupils, encouraging them to pick up litter and reduce plastic waste.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and purpose as families gathered on the school grounds, armed with shovels, watering cans, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
The tree planting process began with a brief orientation from the Secretary-General for the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference, Father Tryvis Moyo, who delivered an inspiring presentation on the importance of environmental care. His words echoed the sentiments of Pope Francis, who has long advocated for sustainable living and environmental preservation.
Father Moyo highlighted the dire consequences of neglecting our planet, urging everyone present to take action.
“Pope Francis wrote many letters to the church and some of these letters have touched a lot on the importance of taking care of the environment.
“He has encouraged us to take care of the environment, which he calls our common home. It does not matter what religion one believes in or the race of a person, what we all have in common is the earth hence the need for all of us to take very good care of it,” he said.
Parents played a vital role in the day’s activities, with many bringing fruit trees to plant in the school’s orchard. Each tree was dedicated to the family who planted it, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
One parent, Mrs Susan Mverechena, visibly pleased with the initiative, expressed hope that the lemon tree she planted would benefit the students.
Her son, Form One learner Ryan Mverechena expressed his joy at having been part of making history. He said the tree would be a constant reminder for him to do more for the environment.
“I am very happy to be taking part in an event, which will go down in history. This tree will have my name on it. So, I must take very good care of it,” he said.
“I can’t wait to come back here and show my children the tree I planted when I was a young man. I hope that even when I have passed on this tree with my name on it will live and assist the living.”
The headmaster contributed by planting an evergreen tree, while Father Moyo planted a fig tree and the college’s administrator, Mrs Valerie Madzivire planted a majestic mahogany tree. Students also participated enthusiastically, planting trees along the school’s perimeter, each to be named after them, symbolising their commitment to environmental stewardship.
St Augustine’s College is dedicated to fostering an ecologically friendly environment. Plans are underway to introduce different coloured bins for recycling, reinforcing the message of sustainability. The formation and launch of the Laudato Si Club at St Augustine’s College aims to ensure that these efforts continue beyond the tree planting day, creating a lasting impact on the school community.
With an enrollment of 75 learners and aspirations to expand more next year, St Augustine’s College is committed to producing resilient leaders and critical thinkers grounded in Catholic values. The tree planting event served not only as a lesson in environmental care but also as a celebration of community, cooperation, and hope for a greener future.
