It was a gathering of pupils of diverse backgrounds recently as GapThinkers Youth Centre, in collaboration with C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, Nature News, ITV, and 5Amas Foundation, held another Abuja Green Christmas debate and choral competition at Government Secondary School (GSS), Gwarimpa Life Camp, Abuja.
Among the schools involved in the debate are Government Secondary Schools from Kubwa, Gwagwa, special needs school in Kuje as well as the host, GSS, Gwarimpa and JC Best International School, Abuja.
It was however a day to be remembered for participants as the essence of the debate, which is enhancing public speaking among the youths was driven to the fore.
Students with special needs from GSS Kuje had a different debate topic which was “Is our society built to eliminate barriers to social inclusion for people with special needs?”. The school that opposed the motion won. With the help of the sign language interpreter the audience was able to understand what the special needs students were saying.
Major takeaway from the debate were the ideas the students put highlighted towards enhancing our environment. Most of them agreed that by making a conscious choices, we can reduce our environmental impact and enjoy the holiday season responsibly.
The choices include reduction in waste generated such as opting for gifts with minimal packaging and choosing reusable gift packages/bags; proper waste disposal; use digital greetings cards instead of paper ones; reduction in food waste by storing food properly as well as handling food wastages.
The students also suggested reduction in energy consumption; use of energy-efficient LED lights for decorations, turning off lights when not in use, and eco-friendly decorations.
They also acknowledged that the reduction of carbon emissions by sharing, ordering things online, and walking or biking for short distances would help the environment more during this season of celebrations. In addition, they suggested choice of gifts from companies with ethical and environmental friendly practices.
The pupils were also of the opinion that gift experiences like tickets, classes, or volunteer opportunities should be preferred at yuletide because such are environment-friendly.
A choral competition featuring traditional and contemporary Christmas carols also took place to light up the event. Schools presented their unique renditions, showcasing their musical talents and creativity. The schools were at their best.
In her address, Dr. Chimere May Ohajinwa, an Environmental Toxicologist and public health expert and the founder of Gapthinkers Youth Centre and C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment educated the students on the importance of social inclusion for the physically challenged like students with visual and hearing impairment in such programmes.
According to her, social inclusion means that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, feels valued, respected, and part of the community. She emphasised the importance of empathy and patient for the physically challenged, and encouraged the students to challenge negative stereotypes and prejudices about people with disabilities.
Dr. Ohajinwa also emphasized the importance of debate competition in fostering environmental awareness and climate action among young people.
Said she: “This debate competition broadens children’s knowledge about environmental issues, climate change and its impacts, while also enhancing their public speaking, critical thinking skills, listening skills, research skills and team work.
“Participating in debates help students learn how to express their opinions effectively and respectfully while also learning how to listen and consider other perspectives.
“In addition, debates can be an opportunity for students to engage with current events, important societal issues, and complex issues in a structured and constructive way. Debates open up minds,” she added.
She disclosed that 14 schools were invited for the competition and six participated in the event. The schools engaged in vigorous discussions on the debate topics, which addresses the theme Green Christmas Competitions to address the waste and emissions generated during celebrations.
Ohajinwa expressed improvement on students’ performances compared to the past debate in June 2024. She also acknowledged the satisfaction of the students expressed during the dance and song competition.
She reiterated the importance of debates and the need to intensify efforts in order to bring the best out of them as they grow up and become the leaders of tomorrow, adding, “the skills the children will gain via debates prepare them for leadership positions tomorrow.”
She further disclosed that C-Circle Foundation will organize debate competitions on different topics annually nationwide.
The teachers were appreciated while the students received branded exercise books as gifts for participating in the debate.
Green Christmas Competition is an initiative to raise consciousness consumption as it affects the environment during the yuletide and also build a sense of community and togetherness with the physically challenged.