WildlifeDirect has launched its first essay competition targeting primary schools in Kenya.
This is in the spirit to mark this year’s International Snakebite Awareness Day on September 19
In a press release sent to media houses on Thursday, Dr Paula Kahumbu, the WildlifeDirect CEO said public education about the importance of snakes, how to avoid snakebites, and what to do in the event of a venomous snakebite are key ways that schools, chiefs, and media can help reduce deaths and injuries in Kenya.
"The Snakebite Awareness Essay completion is a call to all primary school students in Kenya to submit their ideas and thoughts on the topic ‘Why Snakes Matter," she said.
"The essay competition is looking for submissions that will create awareness on the importance of snakes and the need for effective treatment of snakebites," she added.
Dr Kahumbu said the competition will give children a platform to express their views about snakes and what we can do to protect the species and prevent snakebites.
He noted that the winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Watamu courtesy of Turtle Bay Beach Resort.
Dr Kahumbu further said that there will be exciting gift hampers which including Wildlife Warriors t-shirts, reusable water bottles, mugs and stickers.
The competition is open only to children from Kenyan Primary Schools and the deadline for submitting essays is September 30, 2019.
Each entry must include the child’s name, age and school.