Accelerating interest and keeping the learners passionate about environmental conservation causes: momentum, curiosity, and creativity alive
Rtn. PHF. Prof. Taddeo Rusoke, Ph.D, MSc, BSc, CEPA, CNbS
Visiting Professor | Executive Director | Global Chair for SDG15 | Multi-award Winning Conservation Thought Leader | Ecotourism Enterprise Dev' Specialist | Rotarian-PHF | Sustainability Sci. | CUNCR Alumni, Belgium
The Wildlife Clubs of Uganda organises environmental competitions for schools to keep the learners interested in environmental issues. Following the launch of Mr and Ms Environment in 2023 at Seta High School Mukono A Campus. Mr & Miss Environment Competitions 2024 2nd Edition is an initiative of the Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, aimed at accelerating interest and keeping the learner's momentum, curiosity, and creativity alive in schools through conservation education and awareness (CEPA). Activities such as poems, talks, and drama among others are rewarded. The event always follows the International Environment Day theme and national theme. The 2024 international campaign focused on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration with international commemorations taking take in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The national theme “Land Restoration for Climate Resilience,” emphasizes the critical need to restore land for climate resilience, human well-being, wealth creation, job opportunities, and sustainable socio-economic transformation.
Hosted at Bethany High School in Kampala on June 22, 2024, the Wildlife Clubs of Uganda proudly hosted Mr. & Miss Environment Competitions under the national theme.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PAGEANTRY
The overall objective of the pageant was to “celebrate and promote environmental stewardship among Uganda's youth”.
1. To raise awareness about the importance of land restoration in mitigating climate change effects.
2. To empower youth to become environmental stewards, and to foster a spirit of collaboration among schools in tackling environmental challenges.
ACTIVITIES
Participants showcased their dedication to sustainability through talent displays, eco-fashion presentations, and insightful discussions on land restoration strategies. Judges, including esteemed environmentalists, conservation stakeholders and community leaders, evaluated contestants based on their knowledge, creativity, and commitment to environmental conservation.
The event fostered a spirit of environmental awareness and action, inspiring attendees to take proactive steps towards mitigating climate change and preserving Uganda's natural heritage. Through this platform, the Wildlife Clubs of Uganda reaffirmed their mission to empower the next generation of environmental leaders. Overall, the Mr & Miss Environment Competitions 2024 were a testament to the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
The 2024 Sponsors of the WCU Mr and Miss Environment Pageantry
The event was organized by Wildlife Clubs of Uganda and was sponsored by Conservation through Public Health (CTPH) and other partners Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Wildlife Conservation and Education Centre (UWEC), and Newman’s Snacks. Other partners included Roofings Group and Green Ambassadors Club. Participants not only competed for the prestigious titles of Mr. & Miss Environment but also engaged in educational workshops and discussions led by experts in environmental science and conservation.
Participation in the pageantry
Participation in the pageantry is based on membership in the WCU. Each interested school send 30 participants. The workshop attracted a diverse group of participants, including conservationists, researchers, government officials, educators, students, and representatives from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In total, there were approximately 526 participants in the second edition of the Mr and Ms Environment 2024.
Some key activities during the pageantry
Tree Planting
Participating learners received 250 Indigenous tree seedlings for planting in their schools courtesy of a collaboration between Green Ambassadors Club (GAC) and these were sourced from Roofings Group Limited on Lubowa Entebbe Road.
Poem
Participants presented poignant poems that reflected their passion for land restoration and climate resilience in with environmental conservation.
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Second Competition: Quiz
Contestants demonstrated their knowledge through a challenging quiz that focused on environmental issues and Uganda's biodiversity which made them answer over 40 questions per individual. Through this stage, it’s when students understood how hectic the Quiz Competitions were quite serious and more efforts were to be added.
Third Competition: Brain Teaser - Drawing a Uganda Map
Students showcased their artistic and geographical skills by creating detailed maps of Uganda, including features like the compass, key, frame, shape, 12 game reserves, and 10 national parks.
AWARDING EXCELLENCE
Exhibition Winner by Host School
Award for the school that presented the most innovative and impactful environmental exhibition. This was only Bethany High School the Host that had exhibited a Grey Crowned Crane implying the bird was critically endangered therefore more conservation concerns to be put to restore these iconic bird species.
Winner of Poem Prize
Honour for the participant whose poem best captured the spirit of environmental stewardship and resilience. Other award categories: Several awards were given to some other participants and this was done by the Manager of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) 1.Mr Environment 2024, 2. Miss Environment 2024, 3. Mr Wildlife 2024, 4. Waste Management Ambassador 2024, 5. Green Ambassador 2024. Such recognition demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication to environmental causes.
Appreciation
The Wildlife Clubs of Uganda (WCU) extend thank you to all the schools, participants, and dedicated patrons for their immense effort and enthusiastic participation. Your involvement made this event a resounding success. Thank you to all the sponsors of the pageantry. WCU extend our deepest appreciation to our esteemed guests: the Programs Officer, the Head Teacher of Bethany High School, the Executive Director of Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, the secretariat and the Board of WCU, and all other distinguished guests for their support towards the pageantry. Your presence and support have been invaluable.
We also recognize the tireless work of our organizing committee, volunteers, and sponsors. Without your commitment, this event would not have been possible. As we celebrate the success of the event, we eagerly look forward to welcoming you all to next year’s activities of the Wildlife Clubs of Uganda. Your continued support and participation are crucial as we strive to nurture a generation that is conscious and proactive about environmental conservation.
Together, we can accelerate interest and keep the learners passionate about environmental conservation causes. Learners' momentum, curiosity, and creativity for environmental conservation and public awareness should not be lost.
Associate Professor Taddeo Rusoke, PhD is a Rotarian of RC Akright City Entebbe Road and the Executive Director of Wildlife Clubs of Uganda. Taddeo possesses 15 years of experience in the Conservation and Higher Education Sector in Uganda. He is a consultant in tourism, biodiversity and livelihoods in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Netherlands, Indonesia and Canada. Wildlife Clubs of Uganda is a 49-year-old NGO in Uganda which aims to enhance Conservation Education and Public Awareness in Uganda through a Club-Based System. Reach out: taddeorusoke@gmail.com
Fairventures World Wide
3moYoung people are the future of conservation efforts. They will inherit the natural resources and protected areas that the previous generations have worked to preserve. By involving them in conservation efforts this way, they can learn about the importance of conservation and develop the skills and knowledge needed to continue to protect these areas in the future.
Am Rotaractor, communicator & Photographer (Journalist)
3mosupporting the environment is one of the core 7 areas of Rotary focus and as a fellow Rotarian/ Rotaractor, I applaud you on your efforts most especially involving the youths at grassroots levels (schools) which is changing their minds towards advocating for environmental conservation in their lives which is associated with many benefits of which they have gained them and looking positively to the future for others. keep up the good work and seek more sponsorship for this beautiful and impactful nature of work you are doing in the community. viva Rotary!!!!!!!!!!!