The debate team of Paarl Girls’ High School came first in the Western Cape Working on Fire (WOF) programme’s annual environmental educational debate in Stellenbosch last week.
As the severity of climate change increases, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in the Western Cape is doing its part to develop a more responsible nation by engaging youngsters in its annual environmental educational debates, which formed part of its Working on Fire (WOF) programme.
Under the theme of “climate change, biodiversity and conservation”, six schools in the province gathered in Stellenbosch on Monday where Grade 8 and 9 learners participated in riveting debates on environmental issues.
WOF community fire awareness officer Rayganah Rhoda said: “The primary objective of the debate is to create an opportunity for these learners to debate on environmental issues that have a negative impact on their social livelihood and natural environment. It also covers the key fire messages and the core focus areas of the WOF Department of Fire Awareness.”
The participating schools drove their arguments home by highlighting the effects and causes of climate change and how they could be mitigated.
Girls’ High came in first place with Makapula Secondary School in second place and Khayamandi Secondary School in third place.
