In September 2021, The Trust for Sustainable Living (TSL) invited entrants to participate in essay and debate competitions. TSL is an educational charity based in the United Kingdom that fosters environmental awareness among young people around the world.
The TSL International Essay Competition
The essay competition attracted over 1122 participants from 59 countries in 243 schools globally. The students were encouraged to answer the following essay question, “How would addressing inequality help combat the climate crisis?” Naomi Wilson (Form 3) and Keshma Rampersad (Form 5) emerged as Honourable Mention winners in the competition. Students whose essays scored in the top 33% are given this special commendation. Keshma’s essay focused on her dream of all stakeholders coming together to restore the beauty and splendour of our natural environment. Naomi’s essay paid attention to the effects of climate change on the coastal community of Moruga and she called upon world leaders to recognize the seriousness of the climate crisis.
The top ten finalists were announced on July 12, 2022, during the TSL Power Summit: Climate Justice – International Debate and Awards function. Form 3 student, Siri Vadlamudi placed 6th with her creative and empowering essay. In her essay, she persuasively contextualized the impact of inequalities faced within small island developing states (SIDS) as well as highlighted the challenges of the Caribbean Indigenous community and Venezuelan refugees. Siri skillfully showed the connections between these examples of inequality and climate change.
The TSL International Debate
Naomi and Siri were shortlisted to participate in the TSL International Debate on July 12th, 2022. The girls debated on the motion, “Addressing inequality will solve the climate crisis?”. The girls were placed into groups to debate with students from Venezuela, Italy, Guyana, South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Seychelles, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Russian Federation, Turkey, India and Australia. The students attended several online preparatory meetings despite the time zone differences and end-of-term exam preparations. Their sacrifices yielded marvellous rewards as the girls walked away with several prizes including:
● Judges Individual Commendation: Siri and Naomi
● Judges Group Commendation: Naomi
● Best Overall Debating Team: Siri
Siri and Naomi were openly praised by the judges for their debating skills, level of research and preparedness. These girls proudly represented Trinidad and Tobago with excellence. Congratulations!
Ms. Fariah Hyatali acted as the liaison between TSL and the students for the essay and debate competitions. Special thanks to the UK-based TSL team of Debate Coach Eva Ellis, Manager Kirsty Shakespeare and Director Karl Hansen for their continuous support and guidance throughout the entire process.
