Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda Maria Hànkasson has lauded Vision Group and schools for championing the Green Schools Initiative to engage learners in the fight against the impact of climate change.

This, she says gives young people an opportunity to diversely understand and undertake measures that will mitigate the harsh impacts of climate change.

"We have gathered here today to hear the voices, minds and expressions of young people, as they passionately debate issues concerning environment and climate change," Hànkasson said.

The ambassador made the remarks on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, during the final Green Schools Debate competitions at Makerere University in Kampala.

The stage at the Green Schools Debate competitions at Makerere University in Kampala.

Here, four schools: Soroti SS, Mengo SS, Sacred Heart SS-Mushanga and Ntare School are tussling it out in the semi-finals. The overall winner will walk away with several prizes.

Rolled out in November 2022, the Green Schools Initiative is intended to involve more learners in activities that will help mitigate the impact of climate change.

Now, according to Hànkasson, the initiative has been impactful to schools and communities. She noted that schools have come up with projects such as plastic recycling and tree planting, which she says have limited environmental pollution hence averting climate change effects.

Arrivals of students for the Green Schools finals

"We have been blown away by the extent to which learners have deliberated on these issues. Their voices are so important and young people need to be given such platforms if we are to develop policies and programs for sustainable development," the ambassador said.

Since the initiative started, Vision Group has been running pullouts, stories and pictures on the project, something the ambassador said is a good step forward in the fight.

Hànkasson, also lauded the Swedish government saying: "We are grateful to the Embassy of Sweden for supporting the Green Schools Initiative, one of the kind in Uganda that has so far drawn 100 schools and more than 100,000 learners.

Students enjoying breakfast

Young people, like the ones we have here today, can play an active role in fighting climate change".

Several schools took part in the debate

Vanessa Nshuti from Kololo SS presents a poem on cutting down trees

Kitante students say the Green schools project has helped them discover their talents