Giving a presentation to the government of India delegates, Pacific Leaders and members of Government, a young Year Eight student spoke passionately on ‘Sustainable Development and Climate Change’, at the Grand Pacific Hotel on Friday .

Peniana Vadei of Saint Joseph the Worker Parish Primary School delivered the introduction of her presentation with a quote from Professor Guy McPherson, School of Natural Resources and University of Arizona.

Using the quote: “If you think the economy is more important than the environment, try holding your breath while counting your money.” (Professor Guy McPherson)  Ms Vadei drew the attention of the guests.

She said climate change was the greatest challenge of our times and urged everyone to work together on the need for sustainable development.

The young and enthusiastic student was one of the many participants for the Green Olympiad programme under the Ministry of Education.

Peniana said humans were the major contributors to these changes and it was through people’s action that we faced climate change.

Speaking to Fiji Sun, she acknowledged her teachers and parents for their support in her Green Olympiad preparations.

Though she admitted being frightened before making her presentation, she was encouraged to take up the challenge and was glad to speak before the Pacific Leaders and Indian delegates.

Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy said there were close to 6000 students for the Level One contest and around 7000 for the Level Two competition who participated.

He said the competition gave primary school students a chance to enhance their scope of learning on issues of national and global importance.

Mr Reddy said students were tested on environmental knowledge where they would get to answer 20 multiple choice questions in the timeframe of 30 minutes.

Peniana was one of the participants.

She completed the competition in three minutes.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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