THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) works with learning institutions on
various environmental management programmes, as part of the Agency’s “catch
them young concept”, which seeks to inculcate a sense of environmental
stewardship and accountability.
The idea is to instil values of sustainable environmental management in children at a
tender age, so that they grow up to be adults who are environmentally sensitive and
custodians of the environment. In addition, by
stimulating environmental interest and stewardship in children, EMA hopes that they
will share what they learn with their respective communities and families.
Registration of environmental clubs
The entry point to participate is through the registration of an Environmental Club
and the registration process is free of charge. The process involves completion of
registration forms which can be collected at the Environmental Management Agency
(EMA) offices nearest to you. Once registered, the school environmental club will be
tasked with steering environmental management projects at the school. Members of
the club may include Patron(s), Club President/Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and
Committee members. The club will be expected to develop a constitution and

workplan to guide operations. Activities which may be undertaken include anti-litter
programmes, commemoration of special environmental days, afforestation,
conservation works and raising education and awareness amongst learners.
Environmental competitions
The environmental competitions are meant to incentivise learning institutions which
engage in environmentally sound activities. This year there is the National Clean
Schools Competition which the Agency partnered with Eversharp and the Ministry of
Primary and Secondary Education. The competition is open to all learning
institutions across the province.
The Clean School’s Competition comes against a background of difficulties faced by
learning institutions in managing litter and recognising the importance of a clean and
healthy environment. Raising awareness among learners on the effects of poor
waste management and influencing beliefs and attitudes are key steps towards
behaviour change and litter reduction in the community as a whole.
The Clean Schools Competition aims at changing learner’s perception and behaviour
through a whole school approach. 
Adjudication of the Clean Schools’ Competition starts at district, provincial and finally
national level. Each province co-ordinates competitions at different levels in their
provinces, beginning with district competitions. The adjudicators will comprise of
officials from EMA, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Council or Forestry
Commission.
These environmental facts and tips are brought to you by the Environmental
Management Agency, Mashonaland West Province. For further information visit our
Offices in all the Districts of the Province. You can also contact us on tollfree
08080028 or Like us on facebook Environmental Management Agency or visit our
website www.ema.co.zw. We are ready to listen.