Ihram African Influencer Mbizo Chirasha Speaks to Zimbabwean Environmental and Climate Change Advocate Praymore Chayichayi
MC: Who is Praymore Chayichayi and what do you do?
Praymore Chayichayi: I am Praymore Chayichayi, an environmental advocate and community volunteer based in Zimbabwe. I specialize in sustainable development and community engagement, focusing on initiatives that promote environmental justice and climate resilience. I recently completed my Bachelor’s Honors Degree in Development Studies at Midlands State University, where I served as the Minister of Food, Health, and Environmental Affairs in the Student Representative Council. In this leadership role, I advocated for student rights and organized events that raised awareness about health and environmental issues. My hands-on experience includes interning with the Tony Waite Organisation, where I developed and implemented effective HIV prevention strategies and engaged in community outreach in Kariba, Zimbabwe. Additionally, I am committed to sustainability, volunteering with organizations like Green Africa Initiative, Save our Environment Trust and Mckingtorch Zimbabwe to promote environmental conservation and community engagement. I believe in the power of education and advocacy to drive positive change, and I strive to empower communities to adopt sustainable practices that improve their well-being.
MC: How long have you been doing environmental justice work?
Praymore Chayichayi: I have been an environmental justice worker since a young age, as I have always been captivated by nature. Growing up as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I learned the importance of caring for our environment through programs like Adventurers and Pathfinders. These experiences instilled a deep respect for nature and environmental stewardship in me. However, I began my professional journey in environmental justice about three years ago, engaging in various projects aimed at raising awareness about sustainability and promoting eco-friendly practices within my community. This combination of early teachings and recent professional efforts has solidified my commitment to advocating for a more sustainable future.
MC: How has recycling waste changed and transformed your mindset?
Praymore Chayichayi: Recycling has profoundly transformed my mindset by emphasizing the critical importance of resource conservation and waste reduction. It has taught me that every small action counts, and that collectively, we can make significant contributions to a more sustainable future. This shift in perspective has inspired me to advocate for effective waste management practices that not only benefit the environment but also enhance community well-being. I now view recycling as a vital tool for promoting environmental justice and fostering a culture of sustainability, encouraging others to adopt similar practices in their daily lives.
MC: Which organisations are you working with in Zimbabwe and abroad?
Praymore Chayichayi: I have worked with the Tony Waite Organisation, focusing on HIV programming while integrating aspects of climate change and environmental sustainability into our initiatives. I have also volunteered with Green Africa Initiative in collaboration with Save Our Environment Trust, as well as with Mckingtorch Zimbabwe, which is dedicated to environmental conservation. Additionally, I have collaborated with SAYWHAT through the peer education network club, which focuses on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for students in tertiary institutions and colleges. My work with the Womandla Foundation has also been significant, emphasizing the empowerment of women and girls. These diverse experiences have enriched my understanding of the intersections between health, environment, and social justice.
MC: Have you ever attended training, workshops and seminars on climate resilience and what was your take home?
Praymore Chayichayi: Yes, I have attended several workshops and training sessions on climate resilience. A significant takeaway from these experiences has been the importance of integrating local community knowledge into climate strategies, which has greatly influenced my approach to advocacy and project implementation. Recently, I participated in the International Youth Conference (IYC 10) virtually, where I gained valuable insights into the role of youth in climate action and the need for collaborative approaches to sustainability. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to ensuring that community voices are heard and included in environmental decision-making processes.
MC: Do you think climate change education is a human right, if so why?
Praymore Chayichayi: Yes, I believe climate change education is a fundamental human right. It empowers individuals and communities to understand their environment and advocate for their needs, which is essential for meaningful participation in societal decisions. This education fosters informed citizens who can engage in sustainable practices and contribute to climate action. Access to climate education is crucial not only for raising awareness about environmental issues but also for promoting social equity, as marginalized communities are often the most affected by climate change. By ensuring that everyone has access to this knowledge, we can build a more just and resilient society, capable of addressing the challenges posed by climate change and safeguarding the rights of all individuals.
MC: Have you ever won any award on environmental and climate change issues?
Praymore Chayichayi: Yes, I have received recognition for my contributions to environmental advocacy. In 2024, Mckingtorch Zimbabwe honored me with a Sustainable Star Award for my volunteer work in their cleanup campaigns. This accolade acknowledges my efforts in promoting sustainability and environmental conservation within the community. Receiving this award has motivated me to continue advocating for eco-friendly practices and raising awareness about climate change. It reinforces my commitment to making a positive impact and inspires me to engage further in initiatives that promote environmental justice and resilience.
MC: You are constructing a Christmas tree mural with your peers, how is the experience?
Praymore Chayichayi: The experience of constructing the Christmas tree mural with my peers was incredibly rewarding. Working together on this initiative organized by Mckingtorch Zimbabwe, we created a unique, eco-friendly Christmas tree made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. This project not only allowed us to express our creativity but also raised awareness about the importance of recycling and reducing plastic waste in our community. It was inspiring to see everyone come together, sharing ideas and enthusiasm, as we celebrate the festive season while promoting sustainability. This collaborative effort strengthened our community bonds and reinforced our commitment to environmental conservation. Overall, it was a fulfilling experience that combined creativity with a meaningful message.
MC: In your environmental and climate work journey, what are the challenges and how have been the experiences?
Praymore Chayichayi: In my environmental and climate work journey, I have faced several challenges, including a lack of recognition for volunteers and limited resources. Many dedicated individuals contribute their time and effort, but their work often goes unacknowledged, making it difficult to motivate sustained participation. Additionally, the scarcity of resources can hinder the implementation of impactful projects, as we often rely on donations and community support to carry out our initiatives.Despite these challenges, the experiences have been invaluable. They have taught me resilience and the importance of collaboration. I have learned to leverage creativity and community engagement to overcome obstacles, finding innovative ways to promote our initiatives even with limited resources. These challenges have also strengthened my commitment to advocating for environmental justice and have inspired me to seek partnerships that can provide the necessary support and recognition for the vital work being done by volunteers.
Praymore Chayichayi is a dedicated development practitioner and environmental advocate from Zimbabwe, specializing in sustainable development and community engagement. He holds a Bachelor’s Honors Degree in Development Studies from Midlands State University, completed in November 2024 where he served as the Minister of Food, Health, and Environmental Affairs in the Student Representative Council, he led initiatives that empowered students and raised awareness about health and environmental issues. His experience includes an internship with the Tony Waite Organisation, where he integrated climate change into HIV programming. He has volunteered with Green Africa Initiative, Save Our Environment Trust, and Mckingtorch Zimbabwe, contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Recognized with the Sustainable Star Award in 2024 for his volunteer work, Praymore is committed to promoting eco-friendly practices. He believes in the power of education and advocacy to drive positive change and strives to empower communities to adopt sustainable practices that enhance their well-being. Praymore Chayichayi is a dedicated development practitioner and environmental advocate from Zimbabwe, specializing in sustainable development and community engagement. He holds a Bachelor’s Honors Degree in Development Studies from Midlands State University, completed in November 2024. As the Minister of Food, Health, and Environmental Affairs in the Student Representative Council, he led initiatives that empowered students and raised awareness about health and environmental issues. His experience includes an internship with the Tony Waite Organisation, where he integrated climate change into HIV programming. He has volunteered with Green Africa Initiative, Save Our Environment Trust, and Mckingtorch Zimbabwe, contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Recognized with the Sustainable Star Award in 2024 for his volunteer work, Praymore is committed to promoting eco-friendly practices. He believes in the power of education and advocacy to drive positive change and strives to empower communities to adopt sustainable practices that enhance their well-being.
