US Embassy commemorates Earth Day

 By Zainab Kanu

The Embassy of the United States of America, in collaboration with the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone and Africell, yesterday observed Earth Day with children from various primary schools in Freetown.

Speaking at the ceremony which took place Embassy the far West of Freetown, the American Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Michael S. Owen, said in this year’s celebration of Earth Day they organised a competition in which they asked school children from eight primary schools to draw on the topic, ‘Healthy environment’ depicting what they think and feel about the world around them.

He also stated that the children have produced wonderful varieties of coloured drawings mostly depicting an environment full of hope.

The Ambassador informed the gathering that Earth Day is a time to stop and reflect on the independence of the environment, and the importance of clean water, clean air, and a robust biodiversity for the overall quality of the life of Man and all other living things.

He opined that the pictures portray a wonderful reminder of the facts about when is happening to the environment and what can be done to remedy its destruction.

He explained that this reminds billions of people around the world about the true sates of the environment and pleas with them to take care of earth.

He stresses that the main objectives of the celebration is to raise awareness of environmental issues in order to give the young generation the chance to enjoy the beauties of the world.

He disclosed that they decided to bring the children together to recognize their efforts and give them award and gifts in order to encourage them to get greater love for education.

He thanked Africell who provided the gifts and scholarships for the three best winners and the Conservation Society for the role they played in designing the theme of the competition and in judging the drawings.

He also extended special thanks to the SBTS Group who provided the beautiful trophies and plaques for the winning students and the participating schools.