Young Namibian poet wins UNDF award

Twelve-year-old Harry Fowler, a student at Fowler House Private School in Windhoek has won an award in the United Nations Development Fund (UNDF) environmental poetry competition for his inspiring poem about invasive species and their impact on Namibia’s natural environment.Fowler House Private School, where Harry has been a student since he was a toddler, follows the International Cambridge Curriculum, a language-intensive and high-level thinking programme that fosters independent thought, critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving.Harry is described by the Fowler House community as a passionate and radiant young boy who “engages in life with such joy and presence.” Despite having dyslexia and dysgraphia, “that doesn’t stop him from being a top-achieving student.” He loves playing the piano, reading, singing in the choir, playing chess, practising judo, and spending time in nature.The Fowler House community expressed great pride in his success, stating: “As a small private school that prides itself on delivering a world-class education to students, it warms our hearts every time one of our magnificent young people rises to a challenge and uses their voice and talents to address things close to their hearts.”Harry’s poem vividly describes the environment he loves, explaining that invasive species are plants and animals foreign to the Namibian landscape that take too much, leaving insufficient resources for those that belong here.He learned from the family’s nature excursions and school trips to Farm Krumhuk. He also conducted independent research. The poem came easily to Harry. He explained that his mind sees in pictures, and he only describes what he sees. The poem was written in one sitting, after which he worked on spacing and occasionally changed a word here and there.His greatest wish is for people “to be kinder to one another, to animals, and to the planet. He wants those who are different to be included and embraced.”“Kindness builds better people and a better world.”— Harry Fowler, age 12

Young Namibian poet wins UNDF award

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Young Namibian poet wins UNDF award

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