Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School in Kisii County has integrated all its clubs and societies to tackle the destructive effects of Climate Change.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Principal Ezekiel Okeyo, Deputy Principal in charge of administration Gerald Ayiera said the step will help them to gather more internal strength to enable them accommodate other organisations from outside the school in the conservation of the environment.
“We welcome all of those who can give us ideas on fighting this hazardous phenomenon that is now threatening the whole world,” he said.
In a serene outdoor meeting under a variety of both indigenous and exotic trees surrounding the institution’s playground, gathered 10 schools to chart way forward on the mitigation of the detrimental effects of climate change.
The school’s clubs and societies’ leaders Yabesh Manyisa and Thomas Wafuwa hosted their colleagues from Ogande Girls, Bishop Okumu and St Joseph’s Rapogi among others on Sunday May 9.
The participating schools competed on topical issues pertaining climate change through discussion and exposition, drama, dances, comedies and poetry that sought to name Minister and Miss Environment of Cardinal Otunga 2024 edition.
In the poetry and dance category Cardinal Otunga emerged the winner in an urban music dance blended with traditional gems to tell a gallant blood cuddling story of global warming and its effects.
In the overall performance St Joseph’s Rapogi of Migori County emerged the winner leading to the crowning of Chris Ogoya and Regina Choi Miss Environment.
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Guests from Ruma National Park, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya Forest Services and a community based organisation called SPAC, graced the occasion by advising learners on steps of environment conservation, success in education and patriotic citizenry.
Robert Marita, a forester in Nyanza Region, encouraged students to be the best climate change ambassadors in the fight against global warming by increasing forest cover in the country starting from their homes because they are young and energetic.
“You are the hope of the future in the world so you are called upon to protect it through active conservation,” he said.
The officer analysed the importance of trees as the main absorbers of excessive carbon dioxide and other detrimental emissions from oil burnings that form greenhouse and threaten ozone layer.
He challenged them to adopt trees in their homes because they are a source of food, medicine and home for animals, birds and insects that play vital role in the balance of the ecosystem.
NACADA Senior Programmes Officer Nyanza Region Samson Wambisa, asked learners to shun drugs because they affect their health and academic progress.
His sentiments were echoed by Nyanza Region Chairman of Kenya Wildlife Service Vincent Ogal
who said that that they have joined other organizations in touring schools to educate students against on environment conservation and abuse of drugs.
Ruma National Park Deputy Warden Officer George Ombaki lauded Cardinal Otunga for championing conservation of the environment initiative through a variety of approaches ranging from sports, science symposia and other ways.
He led the students to plant 200 seedlings that were donated by the participating schools.
“All schools in the country who visit the park pay subsidized entry fee of KSh80, lower from KSh180 paid by non-students,” he said.
The officer challenged teachers to guide their students on careers that will give solutions to emerging issues like wildlife and human beings conflicts, water, soil and forest and management.
He invited all secondary schools to attend a wildlife and environmental exhibition to be held at Nyakach Girls School in Kisumu County on July 14.
All participating schools and their patrons were awarded with meritorious certificates of successful participation.
By Enock Okong’o
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