Musanze, May 31, 2012

In line with the activities of the National Environment Week, the two-day greening school competition in the schools of Musanze, Nyabihu, Burera and Rubavu Districts was concluded on 31 May, by proclaiming the names of best students in Essays writing and Drawing.

Following the competition at school level and later at District level, the best students from all the above mentioned districts met at G.S Nyange in Musanze District where they presented their essays and drawings in front of the panel including representatives of the school teachers from all the involved districts as well as REMA staff from the department of Environmental Education and Mainstreaming.

After gathering the marks from each panel member, the best student in essay competition was Uzamukunda Claudine from G.S Rugarama (Burera District) with 76%, followed by Maniraguha Chanceline of G.S. Shwemu (Rubavu District) with 71% and Niyigena Pelagie of G.S. Mukono (Musanze District) with 70%.

The winners in drawing were Bizabukwishaka Israel of G.S. Muko (Musanze District) with 82%, Ndindindiriyimana Augustin from REGA Catholique (Nyabihu District) with 76% and Ndayisaba John from G.S. Rwankeri (Nyabihu District) with 76%.

The main criteria in marking students’ works included the advanced understanding of Environment and Green Economy concepts, the relevance of the message delivered in relation to the WED 2012 theme, the proportionality of the work to the student’s intellectual capacity/level, self confidence in presentation and others.

Speaking after her being nominated as the best student in essay writing, Uzamukunda Claudine mentioned that it was due to her advanced understanding of the WED theme and her further research. “Then from my own research I related green economy to all the daily activities observed at my place” she mentioned.

On his behalf, Bizabukwishaka Israel, the best drawer mentioned it was due to his creativity with thinking deeply on a role that a young student can play in Green Economy promotion. “ I imagined of a certain MIHIGO- a young student – who could not sit and watch the impacts of environmental degradation at his place starting from his home but took initiatives that made him renown at the national level” Mentioned Bizabukwishaka.

On behalf of REMA, Mr Nsanzimana Djuma commended the advanced understanding of the role of Environment Protection in the sustainable development of the country shown by the young students.

“With all that you have shown us we believe that once you will keep playing your role, the next coming generation will be in a green and wealthy country” he mentioned.

The competition aimed to raise awareness on Green Economy following the theme of the World Environment Day 2012 which is "Green Economy does it include you?"

The closing of the National Environment week took place at Rubavu on June, 05, 2012 while celebrating the World Environment Day.

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