The annual Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition organized by Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF Uganda) with support from Humundi and other agroecology partners ensures that young poets across the nation share their powerful words, creativity, and passion for agroecology, nature, and sustainable farming practices through writing. This initiative is to bring youth/young generation in the promotion of agroecology. The competition involves members of Agroecology Club members in the different districts across
the country.
In the first edition, 14 schools including 8 primary schools and 6 secondary schools took part where Vision High School in Mbale won. In the second edition, ESAFF Uganda received 1,023 poems from 32 schools in the country including 18 secondary schools, and 14 primary schools. The second edition encompassed first level (School level competition) where three learners were selected to represent their school, 2 nd level (District level competition) where the best
learner was picked to represent the district in the National level competition in Kampala.
The 2024 Schools’ Agroecology Poem Writing Competition concluded on a high note, with St. Joseph Naama Modern emerging as the overall winner at secondary level. This annual event, which celebrates creativity and environmental awareness among young poets, saw participation from schools across the country, all competing to craft the most inspiring and insightful poems on agroecology. The theme for 2024 was “young poets at the epitome of
promoting agroecology”
At the national level, Nkwanga John Paul a Senior 3 student from St. Joseph Naama Modern Secondary School impressed the judges with his eloquent and evocative entry titled "Climate Justice". The poem celebrated the deep connection between humanity and the earth, advocating for harmonious coexistence through sustainable agroecological practices. It skillfully combined vivid imagery, emotional resonance, and a strong call to action, leaving a lasting
impact on the audience. This placed a 16-year-old senior three student on top in promoting agroecology through writing.
"The poem from St. Joseph Naama Modern Secondary School stood out for its ability to weave technical aspects of agroecology into a lyrical narrative that anyone could relate to. It showcased a mature understanding of the subject and inspired hope for a sustainable future through agroecology in the simplest way possible." One of the judges said.
The victory not only brought pride to St. Joseph Naama Modern Secondary School but also highlighted the importance of integrating ecological consciousness into education. The school plans to use the prize competition and other Agroecology Club activities to help in the promotion of agroecology starting from school and extending the knowledge to the community.
ESAFF Uganda awarded winner of the Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition 2024 Nkwanga John Paul with school fees of UGX 1,000,000 (One million shillings). There were six finalists from all over Uganda in the national competition, including Joan Ainembabazi from St. Peter's SS Nsambya, who placed first runner-up with UGX 700,000 (Seven hundred thousand shillings only), and Esther Wanyenya from Vision High School Mbale, who placed second with UGX 500,000 (Five hundred thousand shillings only). Fourth place went to Pius Wamuyale of Paul Mukasa SS Mukono, while fifth and sixth place went to Josephine Uwimana of St. Gertrude Girls’ Vocational SS Kisoro and Nyero Daniel Latim of Gulu SS Gulu, respectively. Certificates of participation and gifts like books and bags were given to each participant.
Speaking during the national competition, Sir Sunday George Bob, Senior Agricultural Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) urged the learners to pursue science courses, emphasizing their importance in solving global challenges.
“If you want money from employment and the work that you will do, do sciences. Our president has increased salaries for scientists because he wants you to become problem-solvers. Strive to become scientists and this starts from the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices in agroecology” Sir Bob urged the learners.
Sir Bob Sunday also praised ESAFF Uganda’s commitment in extending the agroecological knowledge to learning institutions and assured ESAFF of government support for policies and initiatives focused on agroecology and climate change.
The Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition 2024 proved that the next generation is ready to champion sustainable agroecological practices and protect our planet. With winners like St. Joseph Naama Modern Secondary School, St. Peter’s Secondary School and Vision High School and the different Agroecology Clubs in learning institutions leading the way, the future of agroecology is in safe and creative hands. The competition not only celebrated young poets
but also encouraged the next generation to actively contribute to the fight against climate change through creativity, education, and sustainable farming practices.
ESAFF Uganda plans to launch the third edition of the Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition 2025 in January next year to allow many learners and schools from across the country to take part in the competition. This competition will attract many learners and partners that will be involved in empowering young generation in the promotion of agroecology.
Comments