TCRO sings praises of 2nd Open Debate Championship

DAR ES SALAAM: The Tanzania Competitive Rhetoric Organization (TCRO) has lauded the 2nd edition of the Shinyanga Open Debate Championship and has labeled it a big success.

The Open Debate Championship attracted over a hundred students from Shinyanga, Mwanza, and Singida regions.

This rare platform was an opportunity for young people to showcase their powerful debating skills as they went head-to-head to debate on pressing issues.

In his media briefing today, the TCRO Programs Manager and Innovation Nation Executive Director, Mr Eben Mnzava, said the event was very successful after meeting its objectives.

“It was a privilege for many young learners to reveal how they can thoughtfully deliver motions and passionately defend them.

“They also tested their skills in public speaking…it was the first time for most of them to speak publicly, and interestingly, all of them spoke with confidence.

“As organisers, we are thrilled with the nature this event has unfolded and based on what we have seen, we are going to host another one soon,” he says.

Assistant Commissioner of Immigration, Ms Lydia Angumbwike, who is also the Deputy Regional Commissioner of Immigration for Shinyanga Region, inaugurated the championship as a guest of honour.

However, just a few weeks ago, Innovation Nation also successfully organised a unique Mathematics and Science Fair hosted at Shaaban Robert Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, as students were exposed to challenges that compel them to exercise practical thinking and teamwork.

“Even though Feza Boys Secondary School won the competition, true victory was observed in the energy of competitors and attendees in the room as students tackled coding, quizzing, and problem-solving tasks confidently,” Mr Mnzava said.

“For Tanzania, this is more than a pair of competitions, but rather, it is the start of a movement which shows that our youths are ready to solve problems, speak out, and compete on a global stage; hence, massive investment is required in them.

“This demands strong partnership from schools, regional leaders, private sector actors, and international partners…all have a big role to play in this endeavor of nurturing young critical thinkers,” he says.