Project Teaser: Chenesai Mukora-Mangoma on Growing Indigenous Trees and Young Environmental Leaders in Zimbabwe

What if every rural school in Zimbabwe became a center for environmental restoration, teaching children to grow indigenous trees while helping their communities adapt to climate change?

Chenesai Mukora-Mangoma, President of the Rotary Club of Marondera represented Rotary District 9210 Presidents’ Fund.  Their collective ambition is to set up nurseries and marker gardens in rural schools across the district, encompassing Zambia, N. Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. She shares an inspiring, youth-centered initiative to address deforestation, drought, and water scarcity through education and practical community action.

Working with students and Interact clubs across more than 15 schools, the project aims to establish greenhouse nurseries at rural primary and secondary schools. In partnership with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, children as young as four or five are learning the importance of indigenous trees and how they can help restore local ecosystems.

The initiative also incorporates community market gardening and innovative, water-saving irrigation technology to support local food production while conserving precious water resources.

Drawing on her extensive international experience in law, education, and community development, Chenesai brings a compelling perspective on empowering Africa’s young people to become environmental leaders.

Her vision extends beyond planting trees. She hopes to build a generation that understands environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility—and recognizes that small actions today can create lasting benefits for communities tomorrow.

Rotary leaders, educators, environmental advocates, and potential project partners will find this teaser particularly relevant. Watch to discover how school-based tree nurseries can connect youth leadership, environmental restoration, and community resilience—and consider inviting Chenesai to share the full project with your club or organization.

Presented October 15, 2026

Watch the Project Teaser recording: YouTube [link], beginning at approximately 35 minutes.

Presented October 15, 2026.