It was a gathering of pupils of diverse backgrounds days back 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 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.
Pupils from School for the Blind, GSS Kwali could not make it because they were disappointed by their driver.
It was however a day to be remembered for all those who came as the whole essence of the debate, which is enhancing public speaking among the youths was driven to the fore.
The 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 group 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 towards enhancing our environment. Most of them agreed that by making a few 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
They 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.
The students also opened 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 to this, they suggested choice of gifts from companies with ethical and environmental friendly practices.
The kids 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 vibrant choral competition featuring traditional and contemporary Christmas carols also took place to live up the event. Schools presented their unique renditions, showcasing their musical talent and creativity. All the schools and students were at their best.
Launching of GapThinkers Youth Center: the conveners of Green Christmas Competition talked about the focus of Gapthinkers youths and reveal of the logo.
According to them, ‘by incorporating these practices into your holiday celebrations, you can enjoy a meaningful and environmentally friendly Christmas’.
In her welcome address, Dr Chimere May Ohajinwa, an Environmental Toxicologist and Public Health Expert is 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.
In her words: “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.
According to her, fourteen schools were invited to participate in the competition many of who had participated in previous debates, with only six finally participating because most of the schools were writing exams. 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.
Dr. May Ohajinwa expressed improvement on students’ performances compared to the past debate round in June 2024. She also expressed her satisfaction over the joy the students expressed during the dance and song competition.
She reiterated the importance of debates and need to intensify these efforts in other to bring the best out of them as they grow up and become the leaders of tomorrow. The skills the children will gain via debates prepare them for leadership positions tomorrow, according to her.
She added that C-Circle Foundation is set to organize debate competitions on different topics annually nation wide.
Nature news, 5Amas Foundation, ITV, and Root TV and other individuals proudly supported the event which also set out to instil the value of taking care of our environment, the students crafted gifts from wastes, recyclable and biodegradable materials.
The teachers were specially appreciated, and all the students got 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.
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