Kwenda High School: A Beacon of Environmental Management Excellence

A weather station nestled within the natural climate of Kwenda High School

Last week, the FreedPer Scientific team had the privilege of visiting Kwenda Mission High School in Sadza, a thriving academic institution run by the Methodist Church and founded in 1969. The school, with an enrolment of nearly 1,000 students—most of them boarders—operates as a self-sufficient community. Through its integrated farming operations that produce eggs, chickens, pigs, and cattle, the school is a living model of sustainable practices in action.

What stood out most during our visit was the school’s exemplary commitment to Environmental Management. Kwenda is the proud winner of the 2024/25 Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Clean Schools National Championship, and rightly so. Their efforts are led by an active and visionary Environmental Management Club, headed by Mr Shoriwa whose members are constantly innovating to keep the school clean and sustainable. Litter is virtually non-existent on campus, with clearly labelled waste bins across the premises for effective waste separation—paper, plastic, and metal. One of their award-winning innovations was the repurposing of disused beds and stools into functional furniture using recycled plastic collected from brick pallets.

Kwenda High School Environmental Management Projects

While touring the school, we observed a group of enthusiastic students collecting plastic waste. When asked, they smiled and told us they’re working on their next project—an exciting innovation they hope will secure them another national title. While we won’t reveal their plans just yet, one thing is certain: Kwenda is nurturing the next generation of eco-innovators.

In our interaction with students, we spoke about career paths in environmental sciences, particularly in meteorology, climatology, and hydrology. These conversations were especially meaningful, as students began to appreciate how what they are learning through Environmental Management is relevant not just for school competitions, but for real-world challenges and future careers—across arts, sciences, and commerce.

The highlight of the visit was the installation of a new weather station by FreedPer Scientific. This robust, durable instrument is more than just a science tool—it is a gateway to practical learning. Through daily observation and data collection, students can begin to analyze local weather patterns, make forecasts, and understand how weather affects their community's daily life, agriculture, and health. The weather station transforms the school into a living laboratory, where theory meets practice, and environmental responsibility becomes second nature.

Weather Station at Kwenda High School

At FreedPer Scientific, we believe that empowering schools with scientific tools is essential to shaping environmentally conscious and climate-resilient communities. Our weather stations are designed for both educational impact and operational reliability, and Kwenda High School is a testament to what is possible when innovation meets dedication.

As Zimbabwe and the region face increasing environmental challenges, equipping schools with weather stations is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Together with institutions like Kwenda, we are not just installing instruments—we are cultivating informed citizens and future climate leaders.