Minister Launches Student Debate Challenge
Minister of Education Diallo Rabain has launched a new initiative to engage public school students in public speaking and debate.
“Debate is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, especially among young people,” said Minister Rabain. “I am committed to providing opportunities for students aged 10 to 14 to engage in debate, as it helps them think critically, consider diverse perspectives, and confidently articulate their ideas. These are essential skills for success both in school and life.”
The spokesperson said, “The Minister’s Debate Challenge is sponsored by the Minister of Education and managed by the Mirrors Programme and Dynamic Debaters and Learners.”
Organiser Gladstone Thompson encouraged students to apply and stated, “By offering this platform, the Minister of Education is not only fostering academic growth but also empowering our young people to become Bermuda’s future leaders. We commend this proactive initiative to give every student the tools to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society. We believe that the Minister’s Debate Challenge can be a significant part of this journey.”
“We are looking for public school students who are passionate about sharing their opinions, enjoy discussing important issues, and are ready to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills. If you’re a first-time debater, this programme is perfect. No prior experience is needed – we’ll teach you everything you need to know!”
The spokesperson said, “Mr Thompson explained that the training will broaden students’ ability to analyse different viewpoints and express ideas clearly and persuasively in front of an audience. Students will participate in team debates, work together to research a topic and present strong arguments.
Who Can Join:
- Public School Students Ages 10-14: If you’re a first-time debater, this programme is perfect. [Students must be 10 years old before December 31st, 2024, or be 14 years or younger as of December 31st, 2024]
- Students must commit to participating in weekly debate practice sessions as of October 14th, 2024, through March 16th 2025
Program Highlights:
- Awards & Certificates for Participation
- 1. Two winning teams will travel overseas for a special debate experience.
- 2. Top 5 ranked students in lower age bracket 10-11 and upper age bracket 11-14 will receive special awards.
“All applications must be submitted by October 3rd, 2024 at Minister Debate Challenge [forms.gov.bm]. Spaces are limited. Submit your application as soon as possible.
“For more information, contact Mr. Gladstone Thompson at 535-0713 or Joanne Woods at 294-9291 jjwoods@gov.bm or Mirrors@gov.bm.”
HOW CLIMATE AFFECTS EDUCATION .
Making a comparison with the young people of Scotland living in a colder climate where their activities are resigned to inside the home, as seen , being more conducive to education in a majority of cases.
Resulting in the young people become academics.
Our Bermuda warmer climate and apparent longer day light hours In Bermuda is the drawing card for our young people to spending more time out in the field, this is where education is put to one side on a seasonal basis.
We need to accept the fact that not every one can be or want to be subject to the pressures of a professional .
However the is nothing to stop our young people from going about their lives in a professional manner.
i hope tha i will never ever hear the thinkers say :-
” They must have falen through the cracks”.
We all have our place in this life and many get by and survive with. a reasonable degree of :-
” Common sense. ! “.
Now, now, PAC MAN. Let’s not go injecting common sense into a PLP Government initiative.
I hope that we are not” building a house of straw” !
When we build, let us think that we build forever.
let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone.
let it be such work as our decendants will thank us for ; and let us think,
as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones
wil be held sacred because our hands have touched them,and that men will says they look upon
the labor and wrought substance of them, “see ! this our father did for us.”