GEPI Zimbabwe

26/08/2026

Day 3 of the SAWC Caravan in South Africa,

brought hands-on gardening activities to Soshanguve, where our dedicated volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

The day focused on clearing and harvesting the existing garden, with volunteers harvesting fresh tomatoes, vegetables and onions, while preparing the space for a new season of growth.

As part of the garden renovation, the team also began clearing the area laying the foundation for a more productive and sustainable community garden.

A beautiful reminder that when we work together, we can turn spaces into places of growth, nourishment and opportunity.

24/08/2026

The ongoing Southern African Workcamps Cooperation (SAWC) CARAVAN is now being held in South Africa where there will be hosted by (South Africa Volunteer Workcamp Association)SAVWA .
There will be in Pretoria, Soshanguve which is the SAVWA centre creating footprints in line with the theme of the Caravan, "Rooted in Heritage ,Growing a Sustainable Future. "
Volunteers will be learning gardening skilss, environment conservation, cultural exchange, new languages and also having fun .

The Volunteers began with the Orientation and motive for the Caravan.
Sustainability
# Culture exchange
# Volunteerism
# YouthInAction

14/08/2026

Watering the cabbages 💧and removing the w**ds; simple tasks, but so powerful. Every drop of water 💧is a promise of growth, and every w**d removed gives cabbages a better chance to thrive.

This is more than just gardening. It's about learning sustainable agriculture, sharing knowledge across borders, and understanding that food security starts with the soil beneath our feet. From the greenhouse to the open garden, we are camping, learning, working, and growing together.

The energy from our South African and Botswana volunteers is incredible — laughter, teamwork, and a shared passion for the environment. This is what the Global Exchange Program is all about.

We came to volunteer, but we are leaving with so much more.

One garden. One team. One future. 🌍

13/08/2026

In line with the theme of the SAWC Caravan:" Rooted in Heritage ,Growing A Sustainable Future, "Volunteers with Mr Jemwa, Sharon Cohen Projects Officer supervising are taking part in the garden work (w**ding, watering , garden bed making,)
Beyond developing practical agricultural skills, the activity promoted teamwork, cooperation, community engagement.

# Environmental conservation
# RootedInHeritage

13/08/2026

09/08/2026

When GEPI meets Sharon Cohen Special School, magic grows.

We’re camping at Sharon Cohen Special School in Chitungwiza for 10 days. And now this is an environmental tour in the greenhouse and garden.
Joined by incredible work camp volunteers from France, South Africa and Botswana, etc , we’re doing the work that matters, watering, w**ding, and learning sustainable practices together.

Here’s to partnerships that plant seeds for tomorrow.

07/08/2026

The orientation for the ongoing SAWC CARAVAN WorkCamp, currently being hosted in Zimbabwe, was successfully conducted at Sharon Cohen Special School. The session officially welcomed both local and international volunteers, providing them with essential information about the workcamp's objectives, programme schedule, rules, and expectations.

Participants were introduced to the school's mission of supporting children with special needs and learned about the meaningful role they will play throughout the camp. The orientation also covered cultural exchange, teamwork, safety guidelines, and the importance of volunteering with respect, inclusion, and compassion.

This orientation marked the beginning of an inspiring journey of service, learning, and cross-cultural collaboration, as volunteers come together to make a positive impact in the local community while building lasting friendships and promoting global solidarity.

Caravan

01/08/2026

Carrot Harvesting at Camphill Community

The harvest began in the gardens, where volunteers carefully pulled mature carrots from the soil while ensuring they remained fresh and undamaged.

After harvesting, the carrots were thoroughly washed to remove soil and any impurities. They were then left to dry naturally before being carefully sorted and packed. Proper packaging helped maintain the quality and freshness of the produce, making it ready for sale.

This hands-on activity gave volunteers practical experience in sustainable agriculture, teamwork, food handling, and post-harvest management.

29/07/2026

Day1 of the Southern African Workcamps Cooperation Caravan.
Recap under the theme :"Rooted in Heritage, Growing a Sustainable Future "

Volunteers actively participated in a range of tasks that contributed to both environmental conservation and the well-being of the community.

One of the main activities was w**ding, where volunteers removed unwanted plants , clearing grass growing around vegetable gardens, flower beds, and pathways. This helped reduce competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight, allowing crops and ornamental plants to grow healthier and stronger.

Volunteers assisted with general garden maintenance, including collecting garden waste, cleaning planting areas, watering plants when needed, and preparing soil for future planting. These activities supported sustainable gardening practices and ensured that the gardens remained productive throughout the season.

Beyond the physical work, the gardening activities encouraged teamwork, responsibility, and respect for nature. Volunteers worked alongside community members, sharing knowledge, building meaningful relationships, and learning the importance of environmental stewardship. The experience demonstrated how collective effort can create a positive impact by promoting food production and environmental conservation.

Overall, the gardening activities at Camphill Community were both meaningful and rewarding. They not only enhanced the community's green spaces but also provided volunteers with valuable practical skills, cultural exchange opportunities, and a deeper appreciation for community service and sustainable living.

28/07/2026

South African Workcamps Cooperation (SAWC) Caravan has officially begun in Botswana 🇧🇼 where our regional and international volunteers from Botswana Workcamps Association( BWA),Global Exchange Program International (GEPI Zimbabwe ),South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association (SAVWA)members from the CCIVS Youth Committee are actively participating in gardening activities ,planting at the host Camphill Community at Otse Village .
Making an impactful meaning for cultural exchange as volunteers engage with the community members ,share experience and learn environmental conservation practices.

Follow their 40days journey as they travel from Botswana -Zimbabwe-South Africa-Mozambique making a positive impact in communities across Southern Africa.