National debate competition kicks off |24 May 2017

The first round of the second National Debate competition for all secondary schools and professional centres (state and private) kicked off yesterday.

The competition is organised by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development in collaboration with the National Day Celebrations Committee and SIDS Youth Aims Hub-Seychelles (SYAH) as part of activities to mark Constitution Day.

The competition was officially launched by the director general for schools Odile Octave at the Seychelles Institute for Teacher Education (Site) auditorium.

The theme for the debate is: ‘It is the duty of the State to ensure the sustainable socio-economic development of Seychelles by a judicious use and management of its resources’.

The debate is aimed at providing students with the opportunity to share their opinions and views on several pertinent themes of national importance.

Ms Octave stated that through this process, students will further develop several of the 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, reasoning synthesising information, research, among others.

“This competition is very important on our calendar; students are able to voice out their opinions and views on such important subjects that are currently affecting our society. Also it allows them to create awareness about our constitution. The students will also gain many skills such as oral and written communication and public presentation among others,” she said.

Yesterday all the secondary schools competed to secure a place in the second round which is the semi-finals. Tomorrow will be the turn of all professional centres to compete and present their arguments on the same theme, so they can also secure a place in the second round.

The principal education officer Dr Dorothy Felix added it is vital that the students learn more about our constitution.

“Through this debate, students will have the opportunity to share their opinions and views on several pertinent issues about our constitution.  Many of us are aware of the significant importance of having a constitution, which is considered the supreme law of a country,” she said.

The schools who took part in the first round of the competition are Belonie, Plaisance, Pointe Larue, Anse Royale, Anse Boileau, Beau Vallon, English River, Mont Fleuri, Praslin and La Digue secondary schools.