Minister calls for environment clubs in schools

Speaking at the prize giving ceremony for the competition at the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre in Couva Beckles said students in the country’s schools were in the best position to spread the word about protecting the country’s environment.

“Sustainability and wise use of the environment are concepts that have always been encouraged and actively promoted by the Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment,” she told the gathering.

“Conserving the natural resources on which we depend for clean water, food, fresh air and our livelihood, is critical to the country’s future development.”

The Minister said the competition was an essential component of environmental education since “often it was not the theory, but the practical aspect of education that is a more effective way to get information across to children.”

She added: “Initiatives such as these assist children to discover the world around them and build creative, attitudinal and technical skills to become contributors in the development of their school, community and country.” She urged the students to use the information they gained during the competition in their daily lives.

The minister also called for the formation of ernvironmental clubs in schools to “motivate and mobilise the student body to take responsibility for environmental conservation in their immediate surroundings, their homes and communities.”

The results of the competition were as follows:

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

1 Dyanand Memorial Vedic 2 Santa Rita RC 3 Upper Guaico RC 4 Libertville TML 5 Chaguanas Government 6 Manzanilla/Nariva Government 7 Point Fortin RC 8 Macaulay Government 9 Ste Madeleine Government 10 Pembroke Anglican 11 Patna/River Estate Government 12 St Agnes Anglican.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

1 Guaico Government Secondary 2 Point Fortin Junior Secondary 3 Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive 4 Miracle Ministries High School 5 Curepe Junior Secondary 6 Siparia Junior Secondary.