Prizes awarded in essay contest
The ability to communicate is among the most important skills taught in our schools. Today, some top students were honoured for their efforts in the field of writing.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The students were asked to write an essay on why it is important for children to have access to information and be able to freely express themselves.
Alberta Perez, Chairwoman, Sub Committee
“Some parents believe that when we talk about rights of children or freedom of expression, that children are being given way too many rights, rights so much that they could as a form of trying to control the parents also. But really that’s not what freedom of expression is about for children. Actually it’s just that it’s allowing the children to express themselves in such a way that would enhance society in a better way.”
The competition was divided into two categories, primary and secondary. Kimika St. Claire, a student from Queen’s Square Anglican Primary School, says today it is important that children be given the opportunity to speak about matter affecting them.
Kimika St. Claire, First Place, Category One
“Their rights are not being encouraged. Children have opinions, concerns, children have a lot of things and up to today, they aren’t being shown.”
Gretel Richards, Teacher, Queen Square Anglican Sch.
“Well I expected her to do well in the competition, because her essay was well done.”
Leon Westby of Edward P. Yorke believes if youths in the past were given the opportunity to express themselves, maybe today’s children would not face so many problems.
Leon Westby, First Place, Category Two
“The aspect of freedom of expression was not forcefully implemented into them, and so now they don’t know how to express themselves. If when they were younger and they were taught to freely express themselves, today this wouldn’t be happening, because they would tell the government what’s up.”
Bilal Morris, Teacher, Edward P Yorke High School
“I think they did extremely well. When we did get the topics, it was only a few days before they wrote it, so I think that they should be highly congratulated.”
The essay competition was sponsored by Atlantic Bank, which gave the children cash prizes and gifts.
Joel Salazar, Supervisor, Customer Relations
“We sponsor several community development functions, but when it comes to children in particular, we feel we need to highlight the sponsorship of them. We see them as a possible client now that we can have for a long period of time. And we also feel good about doing something for the community at the same time.”
Jacqueline Woods reporting for News 5.
The bank also gave each of the six students a fifty dollar savings account.
