Global Warming, Human Health and the Environment is the theme for this year’s bpTT Schools’ Environmental Awareness Competition, to start in May.
More than 20 teachers met to hear more details about it recently at the Mayaro Resource centre on April 20. The teachers were all from the North-Eastern and South-Eastern Education districts. The Black Deer Foundation, a Mayaro-based non-governmental organisation, administers the competition with help from bpTT.
The competition has essay writing, art and debating categories.
Last year, 65 schools took submitted essays and art, while six schools debated.
“This competition provides a vantage point where students get to see themselves as part of the global community and understand their role in environmental preservation,” said Cecelia George, former Schools Supervisor II of the North Eastern Education District, who has helped judge the contest’s essay-writing. She said the contest applies both academic and life skills to encourage better youth citizenship.
Ronda Francis, corporate responsibility manager, bpTT, said: “This competition...incorporates important academic skills like research, writing, presentation and communication, while also serving to create well-rounded and environmentally conscious citizens.”
The April 20 orientation session was guided by Arvolon Wilson-Smith, president and founder of the Black Deer Foundation with input from Matthew Pierre, Community Liaison Officer, bpTT, Chris Metivier, Schools Supervisor I, Ministry of Education and retired Schools Supervisor II, Cecelia George.
English Language teacher at Rio Claro West Secondary, Mindy Beekhee, said: “The students get to interact with peers from many other schools and this exposure lends to the building of stronger and more tolerant communities.”
The annual competition is now in its tenth year.