Chozen Generation Sierra Leone, in collaboration with MariGold Initiative, has kicked off the third edition of the annual National debating championship for girls in Freetown. 24 Girls Schools will battle it out this time.

Madam Millicent Kargbo , Deputy Communications Director, Human Rights Commission launched the debate at the Africell American Corner on Wednesday 17th April 2024. This year’s theme is “Amplify Her Voice: Young Girls in the Arena of Idea.”

The competition is mainly for young girls in senior secondary schools to improve their public speaking skills and exposure with the theme “ Amplify Her Voice: Young Girls in the Arena of Ideas,” .

Giving an overview of the Championship debate, Tracey Jack-During, said seven years ago, in 2017, they launched the first edition of the competition, where she was one of the debaters. “ This year’s theme underscores the importance of empowering young girls to voice out their opinions and to have their contributions to things that are affecting us and how they can be a change. Whenever CGSL will be coming up with a public policy, the various contributions of these debaters will be taken into consideration ,” she added.

She further revealed that the grand prizes for this year debate are 15,000 for the winner, and the second school will get 1,000 with other attractive prizes for outstanding debaters. She affirmed that they are also looking at the Possibilities of extending their reach to other countries.

The format of this year’s debate is one of the British parliamentary styles and  expected schools to Participate are the St Joseph Snr, School, The Methodist Girls High school, The Anne-Walsh Sec School,  The International Secondary School amongst other top contenders.

Considering the format, training will be conducted for all participating schools in Freetown to familiarize themselves with the demands of the Championship.

The debate is set to start in May 2024 and will span for one month. Prizes will be awarded to debaters and schools at the end.

 

Giving the keynote address, Madam Milicent Kargbo from the Human Right Commission of Sierra Leone said that Participating in debate and public speaking competitions provides young girls with the critical thinking and research skills needed to succeed in workplaces and to build a career. Debates generally increase knowledge on many issues, but most importantly, for girls, it builds the confidence and resilience needed to be successful women.

Launching this year’s championship, Madam Kargbo thanked Chozen Generation Sierra Leone and Marigold Initiative for this opportunity given to young girls as this empower girls by fostering critical thinking, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. She affirmed that these skills are essential for their personal growth, education, and future success.

During his closing courtesies, the coordinator of CGSL Harry Henry Kargbo called on other organisations to come onboard and give them the necessary support, noting that they don’t want to do this alone.