Australian High Commission
Sri Lanka and Maldives
MEDIA RELEASE
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5 June 2010
Australia marks World Environment Day with Essay Competition
On 5 June 2010, the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives announced the winners of the High Commission’s Maldives Essay Competition to mark World Environment Day. Students were invited to write on the theme “Climate change starts with me - What I can do to make a difference”.
The competition was organised to raise awareness and interest among students about environmental issues. It aimed to highlight that individuals can and should contribute to environmental solutions in small ways on a daily basis.
Congratulating the winners, the Australian High Commissioner, HE Kathy Klugman, said “Climate change poses significant challenges to Maldives so I am pleased that the winning students have identified ways they can make a difference. The essays contain simple, fresh ideas on individual responsibility in relation to the environment. They show that the younger generation of Maldivians is inspired to join efforts to combat climate change. Australia is actively involved in the global debate and action relating to climate change and is a strong ally of Maldives in addressing this issue.”
The prize winners in each category were as follows:
Junior category (12-15 years)
1st Place - Mariyam Mahmood – Madhrasathul Ifthithaah
2nd Place - Mariyam Rameez – Aminiya School
3rd Place - Rafaaf Wahidh - Madhrasathul Ifthithaah
Senior category (16-19 years)
1st Place - Mariyam Maaisha – Alifu Dhaalu Atoll Education Centre
2nd Place - Shamil Ibrahim – Jalaluddin School
3rd Place - Hana Fazeel – Feydhoo School
Media contact: Nazreen Marikkar on 94 11 2463243