Empowering youth through debate

Friday, May 1, 2015

A successful Youth Debate project, implemented by World Vision Georgia, empowers 200 youth from three different regions of Georgia by equipping them with knowledge of debate techniques and giving them the experience of a lifetime of being able to debate in front of the large audience.

Youth from Kakheti, Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions have participated in an intensive training course to develop their skills of responsive and evidence-based argumentation. They have learned how to work under pressure, clearly articulate thoughts and ideas and to respond to the questions logically and with clarity.  

“The debate techniques taught me how important it is to listen to one another,” says Ana, 17. “It also helped me to improve my critical thinking and my ability to see the two different sides of the same issue,” she adds.

The trainings in the regions were followed by Regional and National Debate Tournaments – fun and educational events for the children. The National Debate Tour gave youth the opportunity to present their skills and knowledge in front of the large audience, including the visitors from the local government, schools and educational centres. While debating the importance of inclusive education, children were able to demonstrate how much they had learned and developed throughout the trainings and debates: children who were once shy and quite were now able to defend out their positions with confidence and respect towards the opponent.

“We managed to prepare for the final debate tour’s topic in a very short time, and present it with the confidence,” recalls Tatia, 14.“I have never felt this much courage and high self-esteem before. We are not only learning and developing our skills, but also starting to believe in ourselves,” she adds. 

“We are very proud of our youth,” explained Irakli Giorbelidze, Youth Officer at World Vision Georgia “Utilizing debating skills helped our youth to build confidence, improve communication and increase critical thinking. Now, they are well-educated, equipped and empowered children, ready to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honourable leaders in our society."

The excitement climaxed for both children and the audience after the debates were finished and the judges were ready to announce the winning team and indentify the best speakers. Alex Machavariani from Imereti, Mariam Gochiashvili from Kakheti and Lako Gogsadze from Samtskhe-Javakheti Area development programmes were the members of the outstanding winning team revealed by Irakli Gegeshidze, governor of Bagdadi municipality.

The Youth Debate project was implemented in cooperation with the Georgian Institute for Debate and Education. During the project, 20 teachers from the regions were also trained in debating structure and techniques. World Vision Georgia plans to actively continue working in this manner and equip youth in the regions with the skills for better future.