VICTORIA FALLS – In a significant step towards sustainable community development, tourism leader Wild Horizons and UNICEF officially launched a collaborative Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, at Waterfalls Lodge.
The initiative, which already has tangible results in three local schools, was hailed by Wild Horizons CEO Gary Archer as a model for how private sector leadership and international development partners can join forces to create lasting impact.
In a keynote address, Archer framed the collaboration as an extension of the company’s core philosophy. “We believe that true leadership extends beyond hospitality — it lies in responsibility,” Archer stated, emphasizing that the well-being of local communities is directly tied to the company’s success.
The partnership has already transformed the learning environment for students at Mkhosana Adventist Secondary School, Sizinda Secondary School, and Ndlovu Secondary School. Key interventions include:
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The rehabilitation of ablution blocks and installation of menstrual hygiene facilities for girls.
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The solarisation of boreholes to ensure sustainable water access.
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The installation of drip irrigation systems to promote food security.
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The establishment of a new ICT laboratory at Sizinda Secondary School.
Archer credited the success of the project to a powerful synergy of resources: “This was made possible through the funding support of UNICEF, the implementation expertise of Welt Hunger Hilfe, and the monitoring and sustainability oversight of Wild Horizons.”
The launch event underscored Wild Horizons’ deep-rooted commitment to the region’s youth. Archer shared that the company’s education sponsorship programme has grown from supporting 5 children to over 200, with some former beneficiaries now employed by the company. In a powerful testament to the programme’s impact, he revealed that a past scholarship recipient is currently leading the WASH project at Ndlovu Secondary School.
Beyond WASH, the company’s Conservation Education Programme now reaches over 1,000 children annually. Broader infrastructure investments include drilling 11 boreholes in schools and installing 62 biogas digesters across Victoria Falls, initiatives designed to keep children in classrooms instead of spending time fetching water or firewood.
“This is what sustainable development looks like — practical, life-changing, and forward-thinking,” Archer remarked.
Looking ahead, Archer announced Wild Horizons’ vision to expand this successful WASH model across Matabeleland North Province. He positioned the company as a catalyst, aiming to inspire other tourism operators to join similar efforts.
“We recognise that our industry thrives when our communities thrive,” Archer said, urging collaboration to ensure every child can learn in a “safe, healthy, and empowering environment.”
The speech concluded with gratitude to all partners, including the District Development Coordinator’s Office and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, signaling a united front in the mission to build resilience and opportunity for future generations.
Breeze FM