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American Embassy sponsors debate team

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MBABANE – The US Embassy has made a provision of E43 500 grant to support the participation of the Swaziland National Schools Debate team in a debate competition.

The funds will assist the team, which is expected to participate in the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) to be held in Antalya, Turkey from January 28 to February 6, 2013.

Six pupils will participate in the WSDC. The top six debaters’ to represent the country were chosen during a selection tournament last school term, where eight schools competed and won a trip to Turkey as the main prize.

The pupils are Fanele Mashwama who became the Best New Speaker during the WSDC 2012, Oliver Mills (second Best New Speaker) and Wabantu Hlophe from Waterford KaMhlaba College. Others are Sandile Mndzebele and Lindelani Mabuza from KaBoyce High School and Sivuse Mbingo from Sifundzani High School.

Presenting the cheque, US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Molly Sanchez-Crowe said in their own country, debates played an integral role in their electorate process. She said recently they watched as the candidates in the US Presidential race engaged in vigorous debates.

Sanchez-Crowe said it was an exciting time for them to be supporting the development of debate in Swaziland.

"The US Embassy believes that a robust public discourse on issues important to the community is essential. Debating is a great way for young people to learn to publicly express their views in an eloquent and effective manner," she said.

National Team Coach Mlungisi Dlamini said the total cost needed for the trip amounts to E98 000. He said so far they have managed to raise slightly over E50 000 which covers the trip for only three pupils.

Dlamini said Inyatsi Construction has donated E10 000 towards the trip.

He further urged support from other companies for the success of Swaziland’s young debaters’.


COMMENTS:

- It is still heart breaking when i notice that our beloved Swaziland does not realise the power of resources i wonder whether did they include schools from rural areas when doing the selection. Such exposure would have been great for Rural children but we keep on affording these opportunities to the high and mighty schools . i wonder why
November 2, 2012, 12:00 pam, Themba Shongwe

 

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