ESAFF Uganda, in its commitment to maximising students' potential in agroecology while nurturing their creative and writing abilities, launched the inaugural Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition in 2023. This pioneering initiative engaged different primary and secondary schools, providing a platform to raise awareness about agroecology, empower learners as change agents, and foster sustainability in educational institutions and local communities. By leveraging the creative power of poetry, institutions were poised to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders dedicated to promoting agroecology, thus contributing to a more resilient and equitable world.
Building upon the success of the first edition, ESAFF Uganda proudly unveiled the second edition of the competition in the Mityana district on June 5th, 2024, at St. Joseph Naama Modern Secondary School. This launch aimed to further amplify the competition's impact and inspire environmentally conscious leaders committed to agroecology. The Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition serves as a catalyst for young people to become advocates for agroecology and agents of change in their schools and communities by providing a platform for them to voice their concerns and ideas on sustainable food systems.
The second edition targets all learners in primary and secondary schools across Uganda, with a special emphasis on members of Agroecology Clubs. Anticipating participation from very many primary and secondary schools, the competition spans a period of three months from its launch to the award ceremony.
Structured into four levels, the competition progresses from within-school competitions to district, regional, and national levels. This hierarchical approach ensures that the best poets represent their respective regions at the national competition and award ceremony, held to celebrate the culmination of the competition. Participants stand a chance to win a variety of prizes, including bursaries, computers, school uniforms, and certificates, while winning schools receive prestigious awards and recognition.
Young poets are encouraged to explore a myriad of topics related to agroecology, ranging from climate justice to organic farming and peasants' rights, among others. However, adherence to competition guidelines, including originality, language, and submission details, remains paramount. Learners can submit their poems through various channels, including postal and email submissions, tailored to the specific level of the competition.
One of the highlights of the competition is the compilation and publication of the Agroecology Poem Booklet, which showcases the creative endeavors of young poets and further disseminates their voices in the realm of agroecology. You can read the Agroecology Poem Booklet for the first edition here.
According to the guidelines outlined by the competition, there are specific conditions for learners to participate. All learners in primary and secondary schools, including members of Agroecology Clubs, are eligible to participate. Poems should be written in English and should include the name, age, class, school, and district of the learner. Poems must be original and not previously published anywhere. Agroecology poems should be handwritten by learners and sent to ESAFF Uganda either by post or scanned and emailed to doming@esaffuganda.org. These guidelines ensure fairness, transparency, and adherence to the competition's standards throughout the submission process.
In conclusion, ESAFF Uganda's Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition stands as a beacon of hope in the journey towards sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. By harnessing the creative potential of young minds, the competition not only cultivates a deeper understanding of agroecology but also nurtures a generation of leaders committed to fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.