Secondary students participate in online debate |07 July 2021

Vanshika Parikh (left) Dorianne Bristol during the debate yesterday (Photos: Jude Morel)

The second group of students selected to participate in the Trust for Sustainable Living (TSL) 2021 International Schools Debate, did so virtually yesterday morning, from the SITE Auditorium, Mont Fleuri.

The two secondary level students – Vanshika Parikh from the International School Seychelles (ISS) and Dorianne Bristol from Mont Fleuri – were both selected to participate in the debate for the second year running, based on the results of an essay competition held earlier this year on sustainability and biodiversity.

As with primary school students who debated on the first day of the Partner Power Summit on July 5, the students debated on the topic ‘Global biodiversity is in crisis – What can we do to help prevent the sixth mass extinction?’.

Students were placed into four groups, two of whom debated for the argument that mass extinction can be prevented, while the other two opposed the argument. Each team presented a short 5-minute video presentation and were then given time to respond to opposing teams’ videos. Each team then had an opportunity to voice their arguments in a moderated debate for around 10 minutes, before making their concluding remarks.

Executive director of the Trust Karl Hansen, prior to commencing the debates, announced that Yan Luc Morel from the ISS was among the top entries of the secondary school level sustainability video challenge on the protection of biodiversity.

Primary school students Noela Betty Namukose from the ISS secured joint third place with two other students, while Thara Andre from Beau Vallon primary secured sixth place for her essay.

Both were selected to participate in the TSL International Primary School debates held on July 5. Noela presented on the business team, and centred her presentation on wastewater management and the promotion of the blue economy, while Thara Andre presented on the scientist group and addressed the means by which communication between the public can be improved.

The business team received a judge’s commendation for comprehensive arguments, while the scientists’ team were commended for evidence-based arguments and solutions.

The schools debate and essay competition is held annually by TSL, a global education charity working for a sustainable future, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The event offers an opportunity for students and teachers worldwide to connect with influential leaders and sustainability experts, and explore pathways for achieving the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals.

Laura Pillay