Rock Primary School from Kasese district and Vision High Secondary School from Mbale district were respective winners of the 1st edition of the Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition 2023 at primary and secondary level.
In primary section, Tumwijukye Victor, a primary six pupil from Rock Primary School, emerged as the overall winner of the competition. He was followed by Agaba Morgan, in primary five from Rock Primary School while Achen Sylvia from Otubet Primary School in Amuria district in second and third positions.
At the secondary level, Wanyenya Esther (S.2) from Vision High Secondary School in Mbale emerged as the best in the competition. Nyirambabariye Peruth (S.3) from Kisoro was the 1st runner up while Odyek Ambrose from Maruzi Seed Secondary School in Apac emerged as the 2nd runner up.
The competition was organized by Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Framers’ Forum (ESAFF) Uganda to create a broader awareness and appreciation of agroecology in Uganda’s secondary and primary schools and Agroecology Clubs.
The small-scale farmers’ organization is empowering the young generation and the public through the formation of agroecology clubs in various learning institutions in the country.
The agroecology clubs have empowered the younger generation with accurate information about agroecology.
Masudio Margret, the ESAFF Board Vice Chairperson, commended Rock Primary School and Vision High Secondary School for their excellent performance.
She said that ESAFF Uganda is willing to work with schools to enable learners to be empowered with information related to agroecology.
She commended the proprietors of the schools for accepting to work with ESAFF Uganda towards promoting agroecology farming practices in the learning institutions.
"Participating in the Schools’ Agroecology Poem Writing Competition highlights the school's exceptional leadership and performance. We hope that the skills that were imparted to the learners will help them in understanding agroecology as the most sustainable farming practice," said Masudi.
Khaukha Milton, the Head Teacher of Rock Primary School, expressed his gratitude to ESAFF Uganda for organizing the competition. He emphasized the competition’s importance in guiding pupils towards addressing critical issues not only in Uganda but throughout Africa.
Pangani Beatrice, the Chairperson of ESAFF Kasese, pledged the organization's willingness to work with the Agroecology Cubs in schools.
The Head Teacher of Vision High Secondary, Nangosya Jude, applauded ESAFF Uganda for choosing the school to be part of the few that the farmers' organization is supporting in running the Agroecology Club.
Nancy Mugimba the National Coordinator of ESAFF Uganda, applauded the learners for participating in the 1st Edition of the Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition.
Obonyo Sam, the Patron Vision High Secondary School Agroecology Club, expressed his gratitude to ESAFF Uganda for organizing the Poem Writing Competition that has brought agroecology sensitization to their school.