By Nuusita Ashipala
ONGWEDIVA – Teams from the southern regions emerged victorious in the Namcol National Debate Championships that was held for both Grade 10 and 12 in Ongwediva over the past weekend.
The best female and male speakers of the national debate are also from the south. Four Namcol district regions, with the northern regions, coming second in both grades ten and twelve, attended the event.
Speaking at the event, the Namcol director, Harold Murangi, expressed satisfaction most particularly because Namcol learners are articulate and are able to partake in critical national debate.
According to Murangi there is a need to revamp the current formal education in the country. Murangi said although they are constantly blamed for not producing results Murangi proudly alluded that the same learners who are said not to be performing are from the formal school.
“The learners are from there, if the formal education was so good why they didn’t pass if they are so articulate?” questioned Murangi.
Murangi who also used the platform to encourage his learners to excel in the upcoming mock and national examinations this year and said events of this magnitude are important to address societal problems such as Gender Based Violence (GBV).
“We have done our part it’s time to do your part,” said Murangi.
More so, debate is important to sharpen reading, writing and research skills, but most importantly allow the debaters to become critical thinkers.
Murangi feels debate allows the debaters to become leaders who are articulate and have good public speaking skills which are problematic in the country at the moment. The event was attended by 32 learners of the 36 157 Namcol learners, 14 adjudicators and four coaches.