The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), has held its 3rd edition of its Community Development Challenge (CDC) awards in the form of a debate with Senior High Schools (SHS) in the Eastern Region.
Donkorkrom Agric SHS emerged winners with 87 points to beat their contenders Ayirebi SHS who scored 81 points.
The debate journey started in February 2024 with fourteen (14) Senior High Schools in the Eastern Region. It progressed from the quarter-finals to the semi-finals. The semi-finalists were Donkorkrom SHS, Akokoaso SHS, Ayirebi SHS, and Asesewa SHS, with Donkorkrom SHS and Ayirebi SHS advancing to the final stage.The grand finale saw Ayirebi SHS and Donkorkrom SHS debating the topic: “Implementing Strict Regulations on Corporations is the Most Effective Way to Achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12,” with Ayirebi SHS supporting the motion and Donkorkrom SHS opposing it.
The event, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson was held in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC), on the theme “Responsible Consumption and Production, Targeting Sustainable Development (SDG12), ” took place at the University’s Auditorium, Multi-Purpose Building.
It was graced by the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong; the Chief Director of ERCC, Mr. John A. Donkor; President of Ensign Global College, Prof. Stephen Alder and representatives from the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). The event also brought together heads and students of participating schools, community leaders, GES executives, and representatives from VRA and Lower Manya Krobo Rural Bank.
Background
The CDC awards is an initiative by UESD, under the Community Engagement and Projects Innovations Unit (CEPIU) to sensitise young people to recognise the need for environmental sustainability. The University identifies an environmental issue and tasks young people in schools to share their ideas.
The maiden CDC focused on learners at the basic levels between primary 4-6 who were tasked to identify environmental issues in their communities, demonstrating through essays, artworks, and artifacts how these environmental issues can be resolved. The 2nd edition held in 2023 centred on plastic waste where JHS students within the community were tasked to generate innovative ideas to address the growing problem of plastic waste while this year’s event featured a debate.The third edition was in the form of a debate among Senior High Schools.
The event commenced with a welcome address by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah who commended the participating schools for their efforts from the inception of this year’s challenge to the finals. The Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyapong delivered the purpose of the gathering and explained that the CDC is the brainchild of CEPIU, a unit that operates under the office of the Vice-Chancellor. She added that for UESD, the event is more than just a debate because it emphasises the purpose for which the University was set up.
Awards
The debate between the two schools lasted for about one and a half hours and consisted of three rounds. This was followed by an award ceremony, sponsored by Ensign Global College, Lower Manya Krobo Rural Bank, Academic City College, and other senior members of UESD.
The champions, Donkorkrom Agric SHS received certificates, medals, a cash prize for each participant, stationery, a plaque, and a trophy.
The 2nd placed school, Ayirebi SHS received certificates, medals, a cash prize for each participant, a plaque, and stationery.
Asesewa SHS and Akokoaso SHS were awarded certificates, stationery, and plaques for taking the third and fourth positions. Special awards were also given to the best team, best research team, most eloquent debater, best debater, most improved debater, SDG advocate award, and best district. Additionally, the remaining participating schools were presented with certificates.
In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson commended the debaters, their teachers for preparing them, and the schools in general for participating. He announced that SHS 3 students among the finalists enrolling in UESD will receive a 50% discount on school fees. The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the hard work of the students and teachers, urging continued support and partnership in environmental sustainability initiatives. He expressed gratitude for the support received and anticipated an even more exciting edition of the programme next year.
Commenting on SDG 12, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson emphasised that the Goal encourages more sustainable consumption and production practices through various measures, including specific policies, and international agreements on the management of materials that are toxic to the environment. SDG 12 also indicates that products and materials must be designed in such a way that they can be reused, remanufactured, recycled, or recovered so they can be maintained in the economy for as long as possible, along with the resources of which they are made.