Schools debate contest launched

THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has pledged to work with CBZ Schools Debate championship programme to facilitate growth of the project.

The ministry also called for stakeholders, banks and other financial institutions to come on board to assist in educational programmes. CBZ is sponsoring the debate championship through a $168 000 package.

Speaking at the launch of the programme yesterday, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Paul Mavhima said there are about 50 000 schools in the country and it was his desire to see such programmes spreading.

“Programmes like these are invaluable in the academic development of learners in our schools. They complement our updated curriculum.

“Several of our learners’ profiles are supported by this programme and these include communication, team building and leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, mastery of specific subject content, patriotism, participatory citizenship, discipline, self-initiative, self-management, integrity and hunhu/ubuntu,” he said.

“Through debates, participants are taught the virtues of thorough preparation and not taking anything for granted. It teaches pupils to appreciate the other side of the argument and not to be dogmatic. It also teaches tolerance and co-existence.”

He urged the structuring of debate programmes to inspire knowledge and appreciation on issues that have currency globally and for transformation of economy and society.

“I applaud CBZ and the Institute of African Knowledge for understanding that moulding our scholars, beginning at a very early age, is important,” he said.

In a speech read on his behalf by CBZ divisional director for business banking Molly Dingani, acting group chief executive officer of the bank Peter Zimunya, said they have decided to build on their existing investment in education sector.

“We see these debate programmes on television being staged in other countries and the power of debate in creating future leaders. In that respect we are keen to partner the community in preparing our future leaders,” he said.

The debates, which will run from district to national level throughout the year, are being hosted by the Institute of African Knowledge headed by Kwame Muzawazi.