In Uganda, as in many other countries, there is growing recognition of the need to educate young people about climate change and its implications for the future. Schools and educational institutions are ideal places to engage students in discussions and debates on this critical issue.
Debates on climate change in schools can play a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental issues, fostering critical thinking, and inspiring young minds to take action to address climate change. These debates can cover a wide range of topics related to climate change, including its causes, impacts, mitigation strategies, and adaptation measures.
Because of the critical role young people play, New Vision in partnership with FAO and Swedish Embassy in Uganda organised the Green Schools Debates across the country which culminated into the National debate.
Six learners from Imvepi Secondary School took part in the National Green Schools Climate Change Debate on August 29th, 2023 at Kololo Senior Secondary School. The debate aims to promote environmental stewardship among secondary school students across Uganda
It provides students with a platform to showcase their knowledge on climate change and encourages them to become change agents in their communities.
“Participating in the national debate was a great experience. This was one of a kind in the history of Imvepi Secondary School. We are grateful for the support of teachers, Windle International Uganda and UNHCR. This wouldn’t have been possible without them,” Benson Alafi Mawa, who was part of the Imvepi SS debate team said. Adding, “Through these debates, we have learnt knowledgeable ideas from different parts of the country that we are going to implement in the school which will benefit the community as well.”
Debates provided students with the opportunity to learn about the science of climate change, its local and global implications, and the role of human activities in driving it.
“We need to act with urgency and resolve to tackle the climate crisis, and Sweden is committed to this task and wants to partner with Uganda on this mission. Through this #GreenSchoolsUG initiative, we are doing exactly that,” Amb. Maria Håkansson, Swedish Envoy to Uganda.
Written by: Joseph Waninda
