Students from various schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have been urged to embrace social inclusion.
Speaking at the Inclusive inter-school Debate and Choral Competition in Abuja, An Environmental Toxicologist and Public Health Expert who is also the founder of Gapthinkers Youth Centre and C-Circle Foundation for sustainable Health and Environment, Dr. Chimere May Ohajinwa said regardless of their abilities or disabilities, they should feel valued, respected, and part of the community.
Dr. May 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 emphasized the importance of debate competition in fostering environmental awareness and climate action among young people.
She said “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 can 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, 14 schools were invited to participate in the competition (mostly schools that participated in previous debates), with 6 school groups finally participating because most of the schools were writing exams. The schools that participated include Government Secondary School (GSS) Kubwa, GSS Gwarinpa, GSS Gwagwa, JC Best International and Special needs (Deaf and Dumb), GSS Kuje. 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 in 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 order to bring the best out of them as they grow up and become the future leaders of tomorrow. The skills the children will gain via debates prepare them for leadership positions tomorrow.
The event tagged Green Christmas competition; is an initiative to raise the consciousness on environmental responsible consumption during the celebration seasons and a sense of community and social especially for the physically challenged pupils and students.
The debate topic on the topic; Is it possible to have sustainable practices during celebrations”? saw Government Secondary School (GSS) Kubwa emerged victorious with 77%.