MOCK Chogm in schools has been characterised by hardwork, innovation and creativity. A lot of teamwork was developed and intensive research done. The students were asked to hold a summit and produce communiques and declarations. The New Vision NiE desk selected the best final declarations, which were by St. Joseph’s College Layibi, Gayaza High School and Uganda Martyr’s Namugongo. The best declarations were presented by St Mary’s College Kisubi, Teso College and Bweranyangi Girls SSS. Below are excerpts from the best presentations

Gayaza High school
Gender equality:
-In regard to the Women Affairs Ministers meeting held in June at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme Financing Gender Equality for Development and Democracy

-Heads of government recognised the need for resource allocation to empower women and enhance their stand in society. They identified the need to support women organisations such as FIDA Uganda, which advocate women’s rights.

-Heads of governments pledged to continue with the struggle for gender equality to achieve development and democracy.

-Heads of governments called upon the Commonwealth Secretariat to help member countries achieve gender equality to promote development and good governance.

Youth empowerment
-Heads of government recognised the need for youth empowerment. It was suggested that youth empowerment should start at the family level, through nurturing children as the African proverb says: You can only straighten a reed when it is young, after it is old, it will only break.

-Heads of government were also encouraged to promote co-curricular activities to give the youth lifeskills. For instance, starting AIDS awareness clubs and others.

-It was noted that the youth, though given freedom, had to have limits in certain issues, for example, at what age they should start driving or working. Punishing the youth was encouraged in cases of crime.

-Some Commonwealth states have been hit hard by natural disasters. Uganda, the host, has been devastated by floods in the eastern and northern parts of the country and landslides in the mountainous areas.

Other countries that have been hit by such calamities include Canada, which has been affected by erosion, floods and landslides due to its location between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, as stated by the head of state.

-The head of state of Trinidad and Tobago pointed out the problem of hurricanes and floods. The Maldives, Sri Lanka and India are still recovering from severe effects of the Tsunami. The heads of state called for help for these nations to fully recover.

-The delegates from various countries suggested solutions to these natural disasters.

Mauritius said we should keep praying for our countries. The Australian head of state suggested afforestation, reforestation and avoiding swamp reclamation so that the climate is not destabilised.

The heads of state agreed to set up ministries for disaster preparedness.

Ghana suggested that areas that are frequently hit should be gazetted.

Construction of flood barrier walls/dykes was also suggested to tackle the problem of floods.

The British prime minister suggested the installation of flood-warning systems to detect floods to avoid damages and loss of lives.

The need for information technology (IT)

-The delegates emphasised the need for IT to ensure growth and development.

-Uganda and India were recognised for their efforts in promoting IT and the rest were requested to join the global village through IT.