UZ Hosts Climate Crisis Communication Workshop

By James Nyandowe

The country’s epitome of knowledge , University of Zimbabwe (UZ) is set to host a two -day interactive workshop on Transformative Edutainment for Climate Crisis Communication.

The workshop, scheduled for 27-28 May 2025 is running under the theme : Transformative Edutainment for Climate Crisis Communication, Prioritising Vulnerable Communities.

In an interview, professor Nehemiah Chivandikwa, on behalf of UZ’s hosting department of Creative Media and Communications said the idea is to bring together young students and journalists to share their lucrative knowledge and skills in advocating for an inclusive society that is well equipped to counter the adverse effects of climate change.

” The workshop brings together young students in tertiary institutions and media content creators to share knowledge, skills and experiences in communicating climate crisis,” he said.

The event will feature content like newspaper special supplement, comic books ,short films and documentaries which depict the workshop’s “edutainment” nature and designed to engage and amplify awareness to stakeholders across the divide .

” This year’s workshop is dedicated to producing entertainment and education-based media content that focuses on how climate change uniquely impacts marginalised communities,” added professor Chivandikwa.

The event will attract tertiary education students from across the country to showcase their talents ,which will be subject to peer review before publication and broadcast by partnering media organisations.

As the event drew closer, this publication spkoke to some of the participants who expressed enthusiasm and eagerness to explore and bring to light challenges and hurdles being faced by marginalised communities in the face of severe climate patterns.

” I am looking ahead to learning how to craft poignant and compelling media narratives that highlight the devastating effects of climate change on our communities, especially on children, ” said Belinda Chirodza, a part final UZ bona- fide student pursuing Journalism Media and Broadcasting degree.

Meanwhile, Lisa Mudimu, also a part final student doing an honours in Creative Design ,Animation and Motion Graphics echoed the same sentiments .

She said, ” I am motivated to participate in this workshop because I recognise the urgent need for effective communication strategies to address climate crisis. “

” I am eager to deepen my knowledge and learn new things on the topics ,particularly in interactive discussions and practical exercises that will allow me to apply what I learn in real-world scenarios,” she added .

The UZ Department of Creative Media and Communications, which is facilitating the event in partnership with several civil society organisations expressed optimism about the students capabilities in producing and delivering engaging content that will take the government and other stakeholders to task .

” Given their competence and interest in entertainment media, young people are likely to produce climate change mitigation and adaptation narratives that are accessible and appealing to both vulnerable communities and power holders ,” said Professor Chivandikwa.

This year’s workshop is the second edition of the Media and Climate Crisis Communication to be hosted by the UZ ,following the inaugural 2024 edition which focused on creating compelling narratives for crisis health and climate communication .