No debate about it, Kenyan school girls could top Africa
St Thomas Girls High School in Kilifi will represent Kenya in the Pan-Africa debate competition to be held in South Africa next month.
The girls, who are members of Amani Club, secured the chance after winning the inaugural Mwalimu Nyerere schools invitational debate championship of East Africa held in Dar-es-Salaam.
In the competition, Ribe Boys, Musoli Girls, St Thomas Girls, Mukumu Boys, Marereni Mixed Secondary and Sigalame Boys, represented Kenya. Latifa Musa, a Form Two student, said the competition was stiff but guidance from teachers saw them through.“This was our first East Africa debate engagement and we were a bit tense. Our teachers guided us on what to do. We won medals and a trophy. We look forward to scooping more awards in the Pan Africa forum,” he said.
The students represented the country in various categories — including debating, public speaking and essay writing. They tackled topics such as peace and East Africa integration with the aim of improving their cognitive skills.
At least 50 secondary school students from Amani Club are expected to take part in the Pan Africa debate championship in South Africa between December 12 and 18 .
Philip Odinga, the patron of Amani Club, said they have set their mind on winning the competition in South Africa.
St Thomas Girls principal Eunice Mwaiseghe said the school is proud to represent Kenya in the competitions. She called on the county government and well-wishers to support them as they require at least Sh1 million to attend the event.
Amani Club was formed in 2016 by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
