SEVERAL secondary school students from the country were awarded for their stellar performance in a recently-held essay, poetry, visual arts and debating competitions which promoted awareness on health issues affecting adolescents.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the rewards were handed out on Tuesday at the Adolescent Health Unit’s Prize Giving Ceremony at the Regency Suits Hotel.

Aimed at changing attitudes and knowledge relating to health matters, the students covered a range of topics such as teen pregnancy, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine and the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) Programme.
Present were representatives from the MoPH, the Ministry of Education, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/ World Health Organisation (WHO) and several secondary schools.

In her opening remarks, Coordinator of the Family Health Programme, Dr. Oneka Scott said although the competitions could have seen greater participation, the quality of materials presented is commendable.
She congratulated the students, teachers and all others who assisted the students in their projects.

Her remarks were followed by comments from Director of Primary Health Care, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton who said that the competition also served as a means to intensify the spread of health education to the population.
She added that those who participated in the competition can speak knowledgeably on the topics they approached.
“Our main job is to ensure that we always provide the best services as it relates to health

but also [to ensure] that you’re making decisions about your health based on a very solid knowledge base,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, in brief remarks, PAHO/WHO representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow spoke of the effects of HPV and the need for greater awareness of this virus so that all can be protected against it.

The winners of the visual arts competition were Tywon Henry of Tucville Secondary School (first); Pauline Bamfield (second) and Kallanie Wills (third), both of Brickdam Secondary.
The winners of the poetry competition were Shaquille Barrington of Tucville Secondary School (first); Carlea Blair of North Georgetown Secondary School (second) and Pauline Bamfield of Brickdam Secondary School (third).
For the essay competition, copping first place was Devanie Kalika of Mae’s Secondary. Desa Solomon of Lodge Secondary secured second place while Anand Ramgobin of Mae’s Secondary was placed third

In the debating competition, Brickdam Secondary and the Marian Academy were placed first and second respectively.