Chuks Oyema-Aziken
A non-governmental organization, African Centre for Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development with support from German organizations; Sports For Future and Zenaga Foundation gGmbH is set to flag off the maiden edition of Green Schools Debate Competition in Public Schools in Akwa Ibom State.
Unyime Robinson, Country Director, Green Schools Project/Executive Director, African Centre for Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development said in a press statement on Saturday that the competition will flag off on Thursday 13th June ,2023 at the Community Secondary School, Aka Offot in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He said the Green Schools Debate competition is part of implementation of Green Schools Project in Nigeria with the aim of creating awareness on climate change impacts and how to chart a pathway for sustainable, resilient and low carbon development in Nigeria.
“Topics on environmental management issues have been carefully selected for the debate and winners will go home with various prizes.
“The Green Schools Project in Akwa Ibom State is at the fourth-year implementation with the full complement of Government participation. So far 29 Schools have benefitted in the Project with over 20,000 fruits trees planted and solar lamps PV installed in schools.
“Given the numerous requests from schools and communities for participation in the project, sixteen (16) additional schools have been selected making a total of forty-five (45) schools participating in the Project in the State. The long-term vision is to see the expansion of this Project to all Schools in Akwa Ibom State
“The fourth edition of the Green Schools Project will be flag-off at the Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The highlight of the flag-off will feature the grand finale of 2023 Green Schools Debate Competition.
The Green Schools Project is a school-led initiative implemented by African Centre for Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development with support from German organizations; Sports For Future and Zenaga Foundation gGmbH.
“The objective of the project is to promote sustainable actions that enhance natural resources management and environmental sustainability in Africa. It includes a strategic combination of environmental protection/conservation, agricultural land management, renewable energy, sports and community-led adaptative livelihood initiatives.
“The implementation involves inauguration of Green Champions, planting of fruit trees of various species and establishment of trees nursery for project sustainability. The cumulative impacts of the project aside the contribution to the global climate actions is also the transformation attitudes & behavioral change of the students toward the environment. The schools also benefit with the upgrade and provision of sporting facilities and installation of PV lighting solar energy as well as training on waste recycling.
He added that the cumulative impact of the project is reducing carbon emissions by protecting natural habitat and improving air quality; Improved sustainability literacy among schools; leveraging on interdisciplinary instructional practices; Reduced food insecurity and its accompanying health implications in schools and An empowered generation of social entrepreneurs & intrapreneurs.
