Sage Leadership Retreat in Hwange

Jan 22, 2026

This week, Gwango is hosting a Leadership Retreat for over 160 students for Sage Clubs, a school-based program that equips students with practical skills, confidence and opportunities to contribute positively where they live and learn. The students arriving this week are mostly club captains, elected by their peers and supported by teachers. They are tasked with the responsibility of leading activities that range from debates and mentoring of younger pupils - to recycling and career day organising.

This one day gathering at Gwango brings student leaders together from multiple schools in Zimbabwe. Throughout the day, participants will receive training and orientation on the structure, roles and responsibilities of Sage Club leaders. They will also work together to shape a plan for the year ahead. Sessions will focus on practical leadership skills such as coordination, communication, budgeting and project planning alongside discussions about accountability and teamwork.

Hosting a group like this highlights a different side of travel and of Gwango itself. Gwango is often associated with wildlife, open landscapes and time spent in nature. This week, it also becomes a meeting point for young people thinking seriously about their futures, their communities and the kind of leaders they want to become. Conservation, preservation and learning about the environment are just some of the values and practices the program promotes, and Gwango is happy to be part of the initiative that encourages young people to see how leadership, responsibility and environmental care intersect in real life.

Sage Clubs is a program of the Association for Tourism Hwange (ATH), which shares the belief that young people thrive when given the space, trust, opportunity and responsibility to lead and take initiative. By supporting Sage Clubs, volunteers and staff from Gwango are able to give visibility, support and space for students to grow beyond the classroom. For the young Sage Captains passing through this week, Gwango becomes part of that learning journey, even if only for a short time.

For now, it begins with 160 students arriving, then maybe 300, then 1000, then every student in Zimbabwe and around the world. Support from all of us will help this become as impactful as Sage Clubs envisions. Feel free to support them here.