IHRAM African Writing Associate Mbizo Chirasha in an exclusive interview with Climate Resilience Advocate Charlene Muguti

Written By Human Rights Art Festival

MC: Who is Charlene Muguti and What is her fame in Zimbabwe and abroad?
Charlene Harutizwi Muguti: Charlene Harutizwi Muguti is a passionate environmentalist, social entrepreneur, and project management expert from Zimbabwe. She is the co-founder and CEO of Mckingtorch Zimbabwe, a company dedicated to plastic waste management, recycling, and environmental sustainability. She has gained national and international recognition for her innovative approaches to waste recycling and green job creation. Additionally, Charlene serves as the Partnership and Engagement Deputy Director for the ATO - ClimatEducate Project, where she contributes to climate education initiatives and fosters collaborations focused on climate action. She has represented Zimbabwe on international platforms such as the YALI Climate Tech Innovators and Leadership Program, where her impactful environmental work has been acknowledged.

MC: How long has Charlene been involved in community development, environmental awareness, and social responsibility work?
Charlene Harutizwi Muguti: Charlene has been actively involved in community development, environmental awareness, and social responsibility for over 2 years. She started with grassroots clean-up efforts in her hometown of Gweru, and her work has since expanded to include national and international initiatives through her role with McKingtorch Zimbabwe and the ATO - ClimatEducate Project.

MC: How many organizations is she working with in the areas of environmental awareness and climate justice, and what is their scope?
Charlene Harutizwi Muguti: Charlene collaborates with a diverse range of organizations both locally and internationally to advance environmental awareness and climate justice. In Zimbabwe, she works closely with organizations such as the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Gas Leo Planet Guards Pvt Ltd, Forestry and the Nyaradzo Group, focusing on waste recycling, environmental advocacy, and community development. She is also actively involved with YICAADSA, where she supports initiatives on youth engagement and environmental sustainability.
On an international level, Charlene’s work with Mckingtorch Africa Ghana and Mckingtorch Zambia, Youth for All, Walter Africa, Greenloop and Mudita aid extends her impact through regional partnerships that promote sustainable waste management practices and green job creation. In addition, her role as the Partnership and Engagement Deputy Director for the ATO - ClimatEducate Project allows her to build global partnerships focusing on climate education and sustainable development, particularly targeting communities most affected by climate change. These collaborations help drive actionable climate solutions and foster a broader understanding of the importance of environmental protection.

MC: What are Charlene's experiences and challenges working on recycling waste?
Charlene Harutizwi Muguti: Charlene's journey in recycling waste has been filled with both successes and challenges. Changing public perceptions around waste management has been one of the key hurdles, as many people do not yet recognize the value of waste as a resource. Furthermore, logistical issues such as limited access to recycling infrastructure and securing funding have presented additional obstacles. However, Charlene's efforts to raise awareness and educate communities have yielded positive results, with waste now being transformed into useful products that benefit both people and the environment.

MC: What inspired Charlene to start environmental awareness and waste recycling activities?
Charlene Harutizwi Muguti: Charlene was inspired by the growing environmental challenges she witnessed in her community, particularly the harmful effects of pollution and poor waste management. She saw the potential in turning waste into valuable resources while creating job opportunities, especially for youth. Her background in Construction Management and Project Management from universities in Malaysia equipped her with the skills needed to develop and implement impactful projects. This passion and drive led her to found Mckingtorch Zimbabwe.

MC: Has Charlene ever gained international acclaim with her projects? If yes, name and briefly describe such.
Charlene Harutizwi Muguti: Yes, Charlene has received international recognition, particularly through the YALI Climate Tech Innovators and Leadership Program, where she was acknowledged for her contributions to climate action and waste recycling. Her role as Partnership and Engagement Deputy Director for the ATO - ClimatEducate Project also brings her to the forefront of international climate education efforts, where she collaborates with organizations worldwide to drive impactful change.

MC: What is Charlene's most recent achievement?
Charlene Harutizwi Muguti: One of Charlene’s most recent achievements is organizing the Community Cleanup Day in Gweru, which brought together businesses, environmental organizations, and community members to promote sustainable waste disposal practices and tree planting. She is now working on organizing an Environmental Awareness Marathon to raise funds for local environmental projects. Additionally, her ongoing role with the ATO - ClimatEducate Project continues to expand her contributions to climate education.

MC: What is Charlene’s parting shot to other young women in her area of community development and engagement?
Charlene Harutizwi Muguti: Charlene’s advice to young women is simple yet powerful: “Start where you are, with the resources available to you. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity to make a difference. If you are passionate about creating change, take that first step and stay committed. You have the power to drive transformation, both in your community and in the world.”  

Profile of Charlene Harutizwi Muguti

Name: Charlene Harutizwi Muguti
Title: Co-founder and CEO of McKingtorch Zimbabwe
Role: Partnership and Engagement Deputy Director for the ATO - ClimatEducate Project
Education: Bachelor's in Construction Management and Master's in Project Management from universities in Malaysia
Experience: Over 2 years in community development, environmental awareness, and social responsibility
Focus: Waste recycling, environmental advocacy, and climate education
Collaborations: Works with organizations such as EMA, Gas Leo Planet Guards Pvt Ltd, Nyaradzo Group, YICAADSA, McKingtorch Africa Ghana, and McKingtorch Zambia
Achievements: Organized initiatives like Community Cleanup Day and the Environmental Awareness Marathon
Vision: Empowering communities through education and sustainable practices
Recognition: Participated in the YALI Climate Tech Innovators and Leadership Program
Passion: Committed to creating a greener, more sustainable future

Human Rights Art Festival

Tom Block is a playwright, author of five books, 20-year visual artist and producer of the International Human Rights Art Festival. His plays have been developed and produced at such venues as the Ensemble Studio Theater, HERE Arts Center, Dixon Place, Theater for the New City, IRT Theater, Theater at the 14th Street Y, Athena Theatre Company, Theater Row, A.R.T.-NY and many others.  He was the founding producer of the International Human Rights Art Festival (Dixon Place, NY, 2017), the Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival (2010) and a Research Fellow at DePaul University (2010). He has spoken about his ideas throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. For more information about his work, visit www.tomblock.com.

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