Khomas High Schools Gear Up For Debate Championships

Each year, the Khomas region hosts a debate championship for high schools, where interested schools are allowed to register a maximum of two teams.

This year, the contest takes place on Friday, 24 May, at 14h00 and Saturday, 25 May, from 08h00. Each of the teams will consist of three speakers competing for the top honours.

Since 2013, the debate circuit in the Khomas region has been the ideal platform for the participating teams to develop their analytical abilities, the improvement of research skills and to assist in the logical thinking of the pupils. Jan Möhr Secondary School was the winner of last year’s installment, and the trophy will be up for grabs this year again.

A spokesperson of the Khomas Debate Schools Association, Uakotora Riruako, indicated that preparations have been going well. “We have recorded the largest number of participating schools for this year’s competition,” he said.

“Twenty-three schools have indicated participation, which means that teams will be competing concurrently in 20 classrooms over the two days,” Riruako further added.

Ultimately, the participants are being coached in public speaking and presentation. In addition, the teams and their members develop their self-confidence in public arenas.

The championship has been a competitive arena that boasts a floating trophy and medals for various levels of participation. Top speakers are exposed to the opportunity of attending the nationals, including attending the South African Nationals, the Heart of Europe and the Pan African Debate Championship each year. As this is a school centric event, the organisers are teachers from the region with additional assistance from university students.

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