By Haron Okwir
DOKOLO: The educationists in Dokolo District are deeply concerned about the deteriorating quality of spoken language and presentation skills among students.
Some people believe that the declining prominence of school debates is a major contributing factor to this issue.
In an effort to address this problem, a training session for debating, poetry, and public speech was organized for secondary and technical schools.
The event, held at Dokolo Technical School, brought together a diverse group of over 45 participants from 15 institutions. .
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Susan Leah Adoma, the Dokolo District Inspector of Schools, emphasized the importance of integrity in all endeavors, passionately encouraging participants to hold onto this value as she pledged the Education Department’s unwavering support for the debating team, assuring them of a strong backing as they forge ahead.
Mr. Tukei Smith, District UNSA coordinator and principal at Adwoki Technical School, reveals the training is a strategic move to gear up for the National Debating Championship disclosing that the Ministry of Education and Sport has officially included UNSA in their calendar.
Tukei emphasizes that post-training, schools are expected to intensify preparations for the upcoming debating competition, which will unfold at District, Regional, and National levels.
Tukei makes a heartfelt appeal to school administrators, imploring them to continuously support and empower the UNSA team, emphasizing that collective efforts will ultimately unite and propel Dokolo District towards a brighter, more prosperous future.
Mr. Levi Odur, patron and teacher at Bata Secondary School, wholeheartedly endorses the training, describing it as ‘very paramount’ in nurturing students’ debating talent and elevating their skills. as he extends heartfelt gratitude to the organizing committee.
Mr. Opio Bua, patron of debating at Kangai Secondary School, believes this training will sharpen students’ critical thinking, shaping them into future leaders saying that some of the political leaders could emerge from these debates, urging continuous training to keep molding students’ futures.
UNSA president and a student at Bata Secondary School Emmanuel Odit is thrilled about the impact of the training, saying it’ll empower students with confidence, sharpen their leadership skills, refine their grammar, and broaden their thinking capacity.
Mrs. Aero Peace, Deputy UNSA president, and a student at Agwata Secondary School charges fellow participants to be change agents, urging them to take the skills and wisdom gained back to their schools and communities, and share the power of debate with others.
Robert Obong Agwech, UNSA speaker, and a student at St. John Bosco Senior Secondary School credits debating for giving him a voice in his community confessing that he is now helping others find solace, using his skills to make a difference.
