We can't believe the 2009 Youth Forum is already halfway through! So much has already happened in the mountains of Jahorina, Bosnia. The Karl Popper Debate Championship, which saw 34 teams clash on a variety of topics related to climate change, culminated Monday in the beautiful city of Sarajevo. The two final teams, USA-Unicorns and Korea HAFS 1, debated in the Bosnian Parliament on the resolution: “To combat climate change, nations should use cap and trade regulations rather than impose taxes on carbon emissions.” After an exciting debate, broadcast live over Bosnian National Television, the USA Unicorns became this year's KPDC champions! Both teams had the great honor of receiving their awards from the President of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For complete results of the KPDC tournament, please download the KPDC Tournament Packet.
After the debate championships, participants have moved into one of the several labs offered at the Youth Forum. In the skills lab, debaters learn to battle anxiety, sharpen their cross examination skills, reinforce their understanding of causality and argumentation, and more. In the Mixed Teams lab, debaters from around the world are working together to draft cases for the mixed teams’ resolution: “A just society prioritized rehabilitation over retribution in its juvenile justice system.” Students entering college are learning the nuances of British Parliamentary Debate such as the cross examination to points of information, the four-team system, and writing a case in just 15 minutes. The English as a Foreign Language track works with those debaters who wish to improve their confidence in debating in a foreign language. New to the forum this year, the Coaches and Judges track trains the mixed-teams coaches to work with debaters from different areas, improve their coaching and judging skills, and develop debate programs in their own local areas.
August 1st, is one of the most exciting days at the Youth Forum, as all participants will be going on one of several scenic day trips. Individuals have the option of traveling to the Mountain of Romanija , the Bosnian Pyramids in Visoko, the capitol city- Sarajevo, or the Christian pilgrimage site of Medjugorje and the city of Mostar. Participants may also choose to stay in Jahorina to learn more about the history of the city and participate in fun sport activities all day!
The Mixed Teams and British Parliament tournaments will take place on August 2nd – 4th. Just like the Karl Popper Debate Championship, these tournaments will include six rounds and will conclude the day before the last day of the Youth Forum. There is still much fun to be had at the 2009 Youth Forum!
Don’t forget to keep yourself updated with photos, videos, and news stories from the Forum at www.idebate.org/ideaforum.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Preliminary round of WODC commences!
Debatewise and IDEA are pleased to announce that the preliminary round of the inaugural World Online Debating Championships (WODC) has started. This is to decide which debating teams from the United States of America, Israel and China will go on to represent their country in the Championships on August 10th.
These teams will compete in a straight knockout tournament lasting just over a month. This is a joint initiative between the International Debate Education Association, Debatewise, and the World Universities Debating Council (some of whose members are acting as Adjudicators, with Neill Harvey Smith being the Chief Adjudicator).
The championships are taking place in a time of great international economic, political and social turmoil, and domestic discontent across many countries. We believe strongly that never before has the need for debate by individuals of whatever race, age, gender, creed, physical or neurological condition from the quiet or noisy corners of the globe has been greater than now.
Currently we have strong representation from across Asia with teams hailing from Bangladesh to the Republic of Korea, a variety of the ex Soviet countries in Eastern Europe as well as teams from the major debating powers Australia the USA and the UK. We also hope to have some teams representing regions as well.
The winners of the World Online Debating Championships will be revealed on September the 21st and will receive a suitable reward for their commitment, intelligence and passion over the past month. Regardless of who wins or loses, we hope that bringing people together from different countries will strengthen global discourse.
These teams will compete in a straight knockout tournament lasting just over a month. This is a joint initiative between the International Debate Education Association, Debatewise, and the World Universities Debating Council (some of whose members are acting as Adjudicators, with Neill Harvey Smith being the Chief Adjudicator).
The championships are taking place in a time of great international economic, political and social turmoil, and domestic discontent across many countries. We believe strongly that never before has the need for debate by individuals of whatever race, age, gender, creed, physical or neurological condition from the quiet or noisy corners of the globe has been greater than now.
Currently we have strong representation from across Asia with teams hailing from Bangladesh to the Republic of Korea, a variety of the ex Soviet countries in Eastern Europe as well as teams from the major debating powers Australia the USA and the UK. We also hope to have some teams representing regions as well.
The winners of the World Online Debating Championships will be revealed on September the 21st and will receive a suitable reward for their commitment, intelligence and passion over the past month. Regardless of who wins or loses, we hope that bringing people together from different countries will strengthen global discourse.
IDEA Youth Forum: KPDC Finals
USA team Unicorns did better debating over the team Korea and won the Karl Popper Debate Championship, held in the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The topic for this year KPDC finals was:
To combat climate change, nations should use cap and trade regulations rather than impose taxes on carbon emissions
The Champions: USA Unicorns
The Runner-up: Korea
The Champions: USA Unicorns
The Runner-up: Korea
One door closes, another opens
The national competition is over (congratulations Team America) and two busloads of participants have just left the hotel. There were some great and smart people here and I bet more than a few are disappointed they didn’t win.
Well fear not dear debaters, there is a second chance to become a world champion. The World Online Debating Championship, a partnership between IDEA and Debatewise, launches on the 10th August and there are still a couple of places left for teams from certain parts of the world.
So many people from America, China and Israel wanted to take part we had to organise preliminary rounds to determine who would represent their country. These started yesterday and if you go to www.debatewise.com you’ll see a debate about experimenting on prisoners, one about surrogate mothers being able to profit financially and two about assisted suicide (all four US teams get to debate the same subject).
Other teams come from Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Dubai, England, Estonia, India, Indonesia Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Scotland, Singapore and South Africa. If your country isn’t listed here and you would like to call yourself a World Champion (plus win a beautiful trophy) email me, dc@debatewise.com and I’ll let you know more.
You can also find out more here www.debatewise.com/wodc
Good luck
Well fear not dear debaters, there is a second chance to become a world champion. The World Online Debating Championship, a partnership between IDEA and Debatewise, launches on the 10th August and there are still a couple of places left for teams from certain parts of the world.
So many people from America, China and Israel wanted to take part we had to organise preliminary rounds to determine who would represent their country. These started yesterday and if you go to www.debatewise.com you’ll see a debate about experimenting on prisoners, one about surrogate mothers being able to profit financially and two about assisted suicide (all four US teams get to debate the same subject).
Other teams come from Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Dubai, England, Estonia, India, Indonesia Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Scotland, Singapore and South Africa. If your country isn’t listed here and you would like to call yourself a World Champion (plus win a beautiful trophy) email me, dc@debatewise.com and I’ll let you know more.
You can also find out more here www.debatewise.com/wodc
Good luck
Saturday, July 25, 2009
KPDC Round #1 in 30 sec
Watch 30sec video of the Karl Popper Debate Championship Round #1 at the IDEA Youth Forum
or you can see this slideshow from IDEA's flickr account
or you can see this slideshow from IDEA's flickr account
Friday, July 24, 2009
The annual IDEA Youth Forum kicks off!
IDEA's biggest, and longest running, event has finally arrived! The 15th annual Youth Forum kicked off today in the beautiful city of Jahorina, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The trainers of the forum arrived on July 21st to prepare for the forum, while the other 200 guests checked in yesterday for a pre-youth forum welcome.
Every day at the forum is jam-packed with different events and tasks for trainers, coaches, judges, and most of all, for debaters. In preparation for the Karl Popper Debate Championship on Monday, each day of the forum entails several labs and prep times for Karl Popper debaters. There will also be three or four workshops offered daily for debaters in the International New Debaters Track.
The Youth Forum is rigorous for all, but there is also plenty of time for fun! Many social events and field trips have been organized to help participants unwind from their daily activities. Games, sports, movies and music have been arranged for every evening. Tonight features a cultural night about the host country, which will include dancing, singing, and costumes from the culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A drum workshop is scheduled for Saturday night and Cultural Expo night is on Sunday, which features a festival and exhibition of the diverse cultures at the forum.
Monday is especially exciting because everyone will travel to Sarajevo. This day traip will include the KP Debate Championship, a carnival walk through the city, a tour of the city, all topped off with a cocktail party that night.
Until the end of the forum on August 5th, everyone at the Youth Forum will be learning new skills, expanding their cultural knowledge, and enjoying all the fun activities.
Every day at the forum is jam-packed with different events and tasks for trainers, coaches, judges, and most of all, for debaters. In preparation for the Karl Popper Debate Championship on Monday, each day of the forum entails several labs and prep times for Karl Popper debaters. There will also be three or four workshops offered daily for debaters in the International New Debaters Track.
The Youth Forum is rigorous for all, but there is also plenty of time for fun! Many social events and field trips have been organized to help participants unwind from their daily activities. Games, sports, movies and music have been arranged for every evening. Tonight features a cultural night about the host country, which will include dancing, singing, and costumes from the culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A drum workshop is scheduled for Saturday night and Cultural Expo night is on Sunday, which features a festival and exhibition of the diverse cultures at the forum.
Monday is especially exciting because everyone will travel to Sarajevo. This day traip will include the KP Debate Championship, a carnival walk through the city, a tour of the city, all topped off with a cocktail party that night.
Until the end of the forum on August 5th, everyone at the Youth Forum will be learning new skills, expanding their cultural knowledge, and enjoying all the fun activities.
IDEA Youth Forum: First 2 days in 269 photos
Trainers meetings, Arrivals, Welcome Party, Opening Ceremony and Demo Debate in 269 Photos. Enjoy!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Youth Forum trainers prepare to host guests from around the globe!
On July 21, twenty-three skilled trainers were welcomed to the 2009 IDEA Youth Forum in Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The next day, they began preparing for the forum at the "Training of Trainers" sessions, where they exchanged their best training tips and finalized strategies for each track at the forum. They worked vigorously to prepare for the arrival of 200 debaters, coaches, IDEA staff and guests.
On July 23rd, particpants attending the 2009 Youth Forum arrived from thirty different countries: Australia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, the Phillipines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, United Kingdom, and USA.
The Youth Forum website will be updated daily with reports on activities, photos, videos, and online blogs. Online debates will also take place during the elimination rounds of the Karl Popper Debate Championship on July 24th- 27th while they are taking place. For more information on how to join the online debates and more, visit the Youth Forum website!
On July 23rd, particpants attending the 2009 Youth Forum arrived from thirty different countries: Australia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, the Phillipines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, United Kingdom, and USA.
The Youth Forum website will be updated daily with reports on activities, photos, videos, and online blogs. Online debates will also take place during the elimination rounds of the Karl Popper Debate Championship on July 24th- 27th while they are taking place. For more information on how to join the online debates and more, visit the Youth Forum website!
13 for 350
Chapbook with 13 protest poems written by the participants of the Climate Advocacy Institute. 350 is the Number.
350 is the Number
Read the Online magazine created by the Art and Performance track participants at the Climate Advocacy Institute.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Youth Debate project holds national finals in Bucharest, Romania
The national finals of the Youth Debate project held on May 31st and June 1st in Bucharest, Romania, was organized by the Romanian Ministry of Education, Research and Innovation. The two best speakers of the tournament, Cluj Napoca and Calin Muresanu, were both from the ARDOR network; and the team from Emil Racovita National College won the tournament.
The tournament topics focused on the difficulties the Roma minority faces in Romania. The quarter finals discussed the censorship of racist statements on the internet. The semi-finals covered the inefficiency of Roma education, and the finals centered on the continuation of affirmative measures for the Roma minority.
Many honorable guests attended the tournament, such as Ms. Oana Badea, the Secretary of State from the Ministry of Education. She expressed how important it is to introduce debates in school curriculum, so that projects like this may reach a wider range of schools. Other guests that attended the tournament include:
Csaba Asztaloz (President- National Council of Anti-Discrimination)
Ms. Monica Anghelescu (Councilor- National Agency for Interethnic Relationships- Councilor)Ms. Maria Mota (President- National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Men and Women)
Valeriu Nicolae (Open Society Institute)
Several other organizations that made this tournament a success include ARDOR, Debate House, the Impreuna Agency for Community Development, the National Network of the Young Roma, and the Open Society Institute - A Decade of Roma Inclusion.
Oana Stanciu, Debate House, and Monica Mocanu, ARDOR
Climate Advocacy Institute participants venture to the site of the Odyssey
It's been really hot in Turkey these past 10 days, but that hasn't stopped more than 80 youth climate activists from all over the world from sharing ideas and building the connective tissue of the 350 movement. There's nothing that warms our hearts more than watching young people build power and beginning to lead in their communities.The photo you see above is taken in one of the oldest amphitheaters on earth, in Ephesus, Turkey. The ancient bard Homer, author of the Odyssey, was born and lived much of his life only a few dozen kilometers away. This past Wednesday we took time off from all the hard work and took a day trip to Ephesus, our minds abuzz, spinning with thoughts of our own personal Odysseys to climate activism -- how we got here, and where each of us will go after this amazing experience.
It was incredible to be part of 80 youth cllimate leaders standing on one of the oldest spots on this side of the earth to shout out the 350 message! It also reminded us that we have a long way to go. 80 of us will not solve the problem alone, so we have to become nodes of action back home -- small flames burning around the world, spreading like wildfire as October 24 approaches.
We have to tell stories, like Homer did, weaving in our own personal courage while inspiring people to action. We must embark upon a new global Odyssey, joining together and turning the boat towards a brighter future. That's why we're here in Turkey -- to turn the boat towards 350 and begin sailing that direction.
We have to tell stories, like Homer did, weaving in our own personal courage while inspiring people to action. We must embark upon a new global Odyssey, joining together and turning the boat towards a brighter future. That's why we're here in Turkey -- to turn the boat towards 350 and begin sailing that direction.
We still have a week to go during which we will bring the knowledge we’ve been building up in our different tracks into our discussions of climate change and the 350 campaign. But most important are the deepening friendships we have fostered in this very short time, but which will survive into the future.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Global Debate winners to attend second annual Youth Leadership Summit
This year’s Youth Leadership Summit will be held from July 16th to the 18th in New York City at the UN Millenium Plaza next to the UN headquarters. The participants will meet with UN officials and climate change experts, learn about climate science and how to share that knowledge within their communities, and perform environmental community service in New York City. In partnership with IDEA and NFL, the United Nations Foundation invited the ten teams from the U.S. and the six international teams who won the 2008/2009 Global Debates contest. Each qualifying school is provided with airfare and lodging for four students and two teachers. Click here to view the list of winning teams.
Global Debates occur twice every year- once in the fall and in the spring. The points from each contest are accumulated to decide which teams qualify for the Youth Leadership Summit in the summer. In each contest, participants must complete a service project, submit an e-portfolio of the service project, and send in a recording of their debate. Teams can earn additional points by completing more activities, such as creating a video game, a blog, or a public service announcement. This year’s global debate topics were: “Developed countries have a higher obligation to combat climate change,” and “The world should adopt our plan to significantly combat climate change.”
Since the Global Debate topics always focus on climate change, teams can start thinking about projects for next year. The topic for the 2009/2010 fall and spring Global Debates will be announced soon! Click here to register for the next Global Debate.
Global Debates occur twice every year- once in the fall and in the spring. The points from each contest are accumulated to decide which teams qualify for the Youth Leadership Summit in the summer. In each contest, participants must complete a service project, submit an e-portfolio of the service project, and send in a recording of their debate. Teams can earn additional points by completing more activities, such as creating a video game, a blog, or a public service announcement. This year’s global debate topics were: “Developed countries have a higher obligation to combat climate change,” and “The world should adopt our plan to significantly combat climate change.”
Since the Global Debate topics always focus on climate change, teams can start thinking about projects for next year. The topic for the 2009/2010 fall and spring Global Debates will be announced soon! Click here to register for the next Global Debate.
Climate Advocacy Institute concludes
The Climate Advocacy Institute, a three-week course on climate change-related advocacy through debate, performance art and new media, ends this week. The Institute gathered 80 high school and college-aged activists in Dikili, Turkey, on the Aegean Coast, to collaborate on advocacy projects, and develop the tools needed to spread awareness in their communities.This year's Institute was a collaboration among IDEA, Tactical Tech, 350.org, and Bloomfield College. Many thanks to everyone, especially the students, for making this year's Institute a success! Videos are available on the IDEA blog. Check them out, and create your own advocacy toolbox for free!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Local Environmental Group from Izmir
The Climate Advocacy Institute: 350.org Climate Track Guest Speakers
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Youth Forum judges announced, documentarian requests debate photos and footage from participants
Hired judges for the KPDC
We were glad to see that 24 people responded to the call for Extra judges for the KPDC. The Forum Coordinator and Chief Adjudicator have selected the following individuals who will complete the judging panel with their extensive experience:
Arielle Dundas (NL/USA)
Dominik Moskovan (CR)
Kai Klandorf (EST)
Matej Kurian (SR)
Miroslav Josic (CRO) and
Spela Kunej (SLO).
Introducing another member of the Youth Forum team: Bas Voorwinde, Youth Forum filmmaker
Allow me to introduce myself: I am Bas Voorwinde, a Dutch filmmaker who will make a short, documentary style, film on the Youth Forum 2009. For most of you this will mean nothing more than seeing me walk around with a camera possibly catching you on film here or there.
For now I have one favor to ask: Could you bring any, any, ANY footage or photography you have of yourself participating in debates or in any IDEA-related activities?
The reason for this is very simple; I would, somewhere in my short film, like to give an impression of just how international IDEA and Youth Forum participants really are. Unfortunately I cannot go with you to all your home countries to film you there (that would be too good to be true) so I am counting on you all to help me out! It doesn't matter whether it was filmed on the most professional camera ever or your mobile phone, bring it with!
Once you are at the Forum I will introduce myself again and you can give whatever material you brought to me on a dvd or any other format really. You can also send it to the Youth Forum Coordinator via email before or after the Youth Forum, even if you are not attending this particular one!
Many thanks for now and I will see you all soon!
Bas
We were glad to see that 24 people responded to the call for Extra judges for the KPDC. The Forum Coordinator and Chief Adjudicator have selected the following individuals who will complete the judging panel with their extensive experience:
Arielle Dundas (NL/USA)
Dominik Moskovan (CR)
Kai Klandorf (EST)
Matej Kurian (SR)
Miroslav Josic (CRO) and
Spela Kunej (SLO).
Introducing another member of the Youth Forum team: Bas Voorwinde, Youth Forum filmmaker
Allow me to introduce myself: I am Bas Voorwinde, a Dutch filmmaker who will make a short, documentary style, film on the Youth Forum 2009. For most of you this will mean nothing more than seeing me walk around with a camera possibly catching you on film here or there.
For now I have one favor to ask: Could you bring any, any, ANY footage or photography you have of yourself participating in debates or in any IDEA-related activities?
The reason for this is very simple; I would, somewhere in my short film, like to give an impression of just how international IDEA and Youth Forum participants really are. Unfortunately I cannot go with you to all your home countries to film you there (that would be too good to be true) so I am counting on you all to help me out! It doesn't matter whether it was filmed on the most professional camera ever or your mobile phone, bring it with!
Once you are at the Forum I will introduce myself again and you can give whatever material you brought to me on a dvd or any other format really. You can also send it to the Youth Forum Coordinator via email before or after the Youth Forum, even if you are not attending this particular one!
Many thanks for now and I will see you all soon!
Bas
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Organizing and Leadership: Team work presentations
The Climate Advocacy Institute: 350.org Climate Track
Thursday, July 09, 2009
ARDOR announces Best Debaters 2009
Best Debaters 2009, July 6th-8th in Bucharest, took place under the auspices of the Prime Minister of the Romanian Government, Mr. Emil Boc. The event brought together some of the most talented members of the Romanian debate community – 2009 world champions, 2008 national champions, both high-school and university students and also “veterans” of the debate movement, with over 10 years of experience in the field of academic debate.
The best teams after the preliminary rounds from 7th July were qualified in the grand finale, held on 8th July, at the Victoria Palace – headquarters of the Romanian Government. The topic for the debate was “This house believes it is better to study at a foreign university than at a Romanian one”. One of the teams playing in the finale will have as a special member the Prime Minister of Romania, Emil Boc, who displayed a real interest for this debate, as he is also a university professor and as this is a very up-to-date topic for the Romanian youth.
View photos of the event online.
Monica Mocanu, Romanian Association of Debate Oratory and Rhetoric (ARDOR)
The best teams after the preliminary rounds from 7th July were qualified in the grand finale, held on 8th July, at the Victoria Palace – headquarters of the Romanian Government. The topic for the debate was “This house believes it is better to study at a foreign university than at a Romanian one”. One of the teams playing in the finale will have as a special member the Prime Minister of Romania, Emil Boc, who displayed a real interest for this debate, as he is also a university professor and as this is a very up-to-date topic for the Romanian youth.
View photos of the event online.
Monica Mocanu, Romanian Association of Debate Oratory and Rhetoric (ARDOR)
Be the Change
Peace Child International has launched the Be the Change! program (BTC!) to encourage youth involvement in local community action and development projects. Through small-scale grants for projects, youth can be the change they wish to see in their communities.
If you are below 25 years of age and have a project that concentrates on the development of your community at a local level, carefully read the program requirements and submit your proposal to Peace Child International.
Be the Change! staff will assist you in identifying your own local issues, priorities and problems and will also help you to create your own solutions.
The application deadline is October 31, 2009. To find out more, visit the site.
IDEA is not affiliated with Peace Child International or Be the Change
If you are below 25 years of age and have a project that concentrates on the development of your community at a local level, carefully read the program requirements and submit your proposal to Peace Child International.
Be the Change! staff will assist you in identifying your own local issues, priorities and problems and will also help you to create your own solutions.
The application deadline is October 31, 2009. To find out more, visit the site.
IDEA is not affiliated with Peace Child International or Be the Change
Teachers of Entebbe, Uganda complete debate training
July 3rd and 4th remain memorable days in the educational history of Entebbe, Uganda. Teachers of English and debate patrons from 10 schools within the municipality were trained in modern debates and refreshed on how to integrate debate into the curriculum for the promotion of leadership, public speaking, analytical and critical thinking skills.
Participants from over 10 schools were excited about the program and hoped for more trainings of this kind, since this opportunity was rather rare for this long-forgotten area. Participants resolved to organize annual debate tournaments and selected a four-person committee that will be mentored and coached by the trainers so that they can help organize tournaments in the Entebbe Municipality.
The local leadership couldn’t wait to throw their support behind the project. The District Education Officer, the Inspector of Schools and the Hon Muhammad Kauma MP Entebbe Municipality all attended. Hon Kauma remarked, “This is so far the first serious youth program that has come up since I was elected to parliament and I can’t wait to support [it],” says Hon Kauma.
IDEA trainers in Uganda facilitated this debate training.
Muhindo Johncation, Ugandan Debate League Program
Participants from over 10 schools were excited about the program and hoped for more trainings of this kind, since this opportunity was rather rare for this long-forgotten area. Participants resolved to organize annual debate tournaments and selected a four-person committee that will be mentored and coached by the trainers so that they can help organize tournaments in the Entebbe Municipality.
The local leadership couldn’t wait to throw their support behind the project. The District Education Officer, the Inspector of Schools and the Hon Muhammad Kauma MP Entebbe Municipality all attended. Hon Kauma remarked, “This is so far the first serious youth program that has come up since I was elected to parliament and I can’t wait to support [it],” says Hon Kauma.
IDEA trainers in Uganda facilitated this debate training.
Muhindo Johncation, Ugandan Debate League Program
IDEA-NJFL Nationals a huge success
The seventh annual National Middle School Forensics Tournament was held June 26-28, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, Texas, and co-sponsored by IDEA and the National Junior Forensic League (NJFL). Attending the tournament were more than 240 students from 35 schools spanning 13 states, the territory of Saipan and the guest country of South Korea. Those students constituted more than 550 entries across a dozen speech and debate events.
Champion students in each of the events included:
Policy Debate: Aritra Biswas & Shalina Chatlani, St. Andrew’s Episcopal
Student Congress: Alexa Palomo, St. Mary’s Hall
Lincoln-Douglas (Co-Champions): Ben Liu & Michael Portal, Sidney Lanier
Public Forum: Viveka Advani & Nikita Datta, Capitol Debate
Prose: Callum Morrison, St. Mary’s Hall
Poetry: Sahil Bhaiwala, The Pike School
Humorous Interpretation: Jared Naylor, St. Mary’s Hall
Dramatic Interpretation: Dane Schnake, Raymore-Peculiar
Impromptu: Harry Wood, The Pike School
Extemporaneous Speaking: Gregory Ross, Sidney Lanier
Original Oratory: Caroline Ford, Stonewall Academy
Duo Interpretation: Parker Evans and Bryce Prior, Brentwood Academy
For more details, visit the National Forensic League.
Champion students in each of the events included:
Policy Debate: Aritra Biswas & Shalina Chatlani, St. Andrew’s Episcopal
Student Congress: Alexa Palomo, St. Mary’s Hall
Lincoln-Douglas (Co-Champions): Ben Liu & Michael Portal, Sidney Lanier
Public Forum: Viveka Advani & Nikita Datta, Capitol Debate
Prose: Callum Morrison, St. Mary’s Hall
Poetry: Sahil Bhaiwala, The Pike School
Humorous Interpretation: Jared Naylor, St. Mary’s Hall
Dramatic Interpretation: Dane Schnake, Raymore-Peculiar
Impromptu: Harry Wood, The Pike School
Extemporaneous Speaking: Gregory Ross, Sidney Lanier
Original Oratory: Caroline Ford, Stonewall Academy
Duo Interpretation: Parker Evans and Bryce Prior, Brentwood Academy
For more details, visit the National Forensic League.
Crafting the Message to Inspire Action (part4)
The Climate Advocacy Institute: Advocacy and New Media Track Lecture
Crafting the Message to Inspire Action (part3)
The Climate Advocacy Institute: Advocacy and New Media Track Lecture
Crafting the Message to Inspire Action (part2)
The Climate Advocacy Institute: Advocacy and New Media Track Lecture
News from the Climate Advocacy Institute
Facilitators are posting videos of the Institute as the action happens. Watch them all below!
A debate track update from instructor David Douglass:
The Debate and Argumentation track at the CAI has gotten off to a terrific start. Our group is comprised of a wide range of nationalities and interests, but everyone shares a passion for public advocacy. We began our first week by getting to know each other, and then established a grounding in debate and argument theory.
We discussed the classical roots of democratic societies, and examined the ways that public discourse contributes to social change. We zeroed in on fundamental skills of affirmative and negative argumentation, cross examination, and points of information. After that, we covered various styles of debate, with a focus on British Parliamentary, World Schools, and Karl Popper.
Each session involves a great deal of engagement and varied exercises that bring participants together for discussion and argument, so there's never a dull moment. Yesterday, we held our first full set of debates, with four-person teams and adjudication--it was a blast!
Passionate arguments made in the open air next to the gentle waves of the dark-blue Aegean--what could be better than that? Beachcombers stopped to listen, and even the seagulls seemed impressed by the authority of our rhetoric.
Today we're taking a day off for an excursion to an ancient city, but tomorrow we'll be back at it. We'll be holding a tournament next week, so our work now will culminate in a grand competition involving topics related to the environment. Stay tuned!
David Douglass is Interim Dean to the College of Liberal Arts, as well as a professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies, at Willamette University
A debate track update from instructor David Douglass:
The Debate and Argumentation track at the CAI has gotten off to a terrific start. Our group is comprised of a wide range of nationalities and interests, but everyone shares a passion for public advocacy. We began our first week by getting to know each other, and then established a grounding in debate and argument theory.
We discussed the classical roots of democratic societies, and examined the ways that public discourse contributes to social change. We zeroed in on fundamental skills of affirmative and negative argumentation, cross examination, and points of information. After that, we covered various styles of debate, with a focus on British Parliamentary, World Schools, and Karl Popper.
Each session involves a great deal of engagement and varied exercises that bring participants together for discussion and argument, so there's never a dull moment. Yesterday, we held our first full set of debates, with four-person teams and adjudication--it was a blast!
Passionate arguments made in the open air next to the gentle waves of the dark-blue Aegean--what could be better than that? Beachcombers stopped to listen, and even the seagulls seemed impressed by the authority of our rhetoric.
Today we're taking a day off for an excursion to an ancient city, but tomorrow we'll be back at it. We'll be holding a tournament next week, so our work now will culminate in a grand competition involving topics related to the environment. Stay tuned!
David Douglass is Interim Dean to the College of Liberal Arts, as well as a professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies, at Willamette University
IDEA and DebateWise to hold first World Online Debating Championship
Debatewise and IDEA are proud to announce the first ever World Online Debating Championship and formally invite you to take part.
This is an innovative competition and presents a new form of debating. 32 countries will take each other on in a knockout tournament open to anyone.
It takes place over the Internet, so you can participate from any place at any time. Debate with people from all over the world, and get to understand them better, all without leaving home.
Plus, you have a full 24 hours to craft your arguments to perfection.
The competition is being run by Debatewise in collaboration with the International Debate Education Association; Chief Adjudicator is Neill Harvey-Smith, the President of the World’s Debating Council. Round 1 will start on August 10th and the winner will be declared on September 21st.
To find out more, including how to enter, please email dc@debatewise.com or visit www.debatewise.com/wodc and we’ll be delighted to help. The closing date for registration is Sunday, July 19th.
This is an innovative competition and presents a new form of debating. 32 countries will take each other on in a knockout tournament open to anyone.
It takes place over the Internet, so you can participate from any place at any time. Debate with people from all over the world, and get to understand them better, all without leaving home.
Plus, you have a full 24 hours to craft your arguments to perfection.
The competition is being run by Debatewise in collaboration with the International Debate Education Association; Chief Adjudicator is Neill Harvey-Smith, the President of the World’s Debating Council. Round 1 will start on August 10th and the winner will be declared on September 21st.
To find out more, including how to enter, please email dc@debatewise.com or visit www.debatewise.com/wodc and we’ll be delighted to help. The closing date for registration is Sunday, July 19th.
Crafting the Message to Inspire Action
The Climate Advocacy Institute: Advocacy and New Media Track Lecture
What Makes a Successful Campaign: Team Work Presentation
The Climate Advocacy Institute: Advocacy and New Media Track Lecture
What Makes a Successful Campaign: 350.org Intro
The Climate Advocacy Institute: Advocacy and New Media Track Lecture
What Makes a Successful Campaign: Intro
The Climate Advocacy Institute: Advocacy and New Media Track Lecture
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
The Climate Advocacy Institute Updates
We are in the second week of the Climate Advocacy Institute held in Turkey from 28 June -18 July. More that 80 students are participating in the following Institute Tracks:
Please visit the Climate Advocacy Institute website where you can find updates for the Institute, videos from the track session, presentation, manuals, handouts and more.
Overview of the first week in 127 photos: The Climate Advocacy Institute
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Impressions of the Youth Forum venue...
On June 2-5, IDEA-NL staff members Marcin and Veronika visited the venues for this year's Youth Forum in Jahorina and Sarajevo, BiH. Although the Hotel Bistrica is not exactly the type of 4-star hotel you would expect in larger cities, the personnel are very nice and ready to help. A great indoor hangout area features table tennis, pool tables, games, gym equipment and a swimming pool. Outside, there are basketball, volleyball and football (soccer) courts.
Marcin and Veronika also tasted the dishes that would likely be served during the Forum, and decided they were tasty and generously portioned (even for guys). And because many BiH citizens eat halal food, the hotel is accustomed to catering to special diets.
Youth Forum staff are enthusiastic and creative in using every space the hotel has to offer. DO check the schedule and photos for a preview of the social and after-lab activities!
The finals will be held in the building of Parliament in Sarajevo!
Marcin and Veronika also tasted the dishes that would likely be served during the Forum, and decided they were tasty and generously portioned (even for guys). And because many BiH citizens eat halal food, the hotel is accustomed to catering to special diets.
Youth Forum staff are enthusiastic and creative in using every space the hotel has to offer. DO check the schedule and photos for a preview of the social and after-lab activities!
The finals will be held in the building of Parliament in Sarajevo!
Youth Forum calls for more judges
More judges are needed for the Karl Popper Debate Championship portion of the IDEA Youth Forum, taking place July 23-27 in Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Three reasons to accept this invitation:
For requirements, please visit the site.
Three reasons to accept this invitation:
- Judge at a tournament hosting 40 teams and have a rare chance to mingle with over 200 people from 30 countries around the world.
- Attend a day of workshops to improve your judging skills.
- The Forum features fun evening activities such as the Country Expo (exhibition of all cultures present at the Forum), BiH night (exhibition and active participation in various aspects of Bosnian and Herzegovinian culture), dance and percussion workshops, sports and more.
For requirements, please visit the site.
IDEA-NL board member to be interviewed for documentary
In late July, IDEA-Netherlands board member Virginija Paksiene of Lithuania will be interviewed for Daily Life in Europe, a documentary commissioned for the new Visitors Center of the European Parliament, Brussels.
During documentarian Viviane Blumenschein’s stay in Lithuania, she will capture the personal stories of Paksiene and one of her students. Blumenschein also plans to cover “Youth for Europe, Europe for Youth,” a project Paksiene implements as Executive Director of the Informal Education Debate Center. Paksiene‘s project, “Youth Debates in the Baltic States,“ received a grant from the European Parliament in 2008.
Daily Life in Europe will share the European Parliament’s positive impact throughout Europe with 54 personal stories told in 27 countries.
During documentarian Viviane Blumenschein’s stay in Lithuania, she will capture the personal stories of Paksiene and one of her students. Blumenschein also plans to cover “Youth for Europe, Europe for Youth,” a project Paksiene implements as Executive Director of the Informal Education Debate Center. Paksiene‘s project, “Youth Debates in the Baltic States,“ received a grant from the European Parliament in 2008.
Daily Life in Europe will share the European Parliament’s positive impact throughout Europe with 54 personal stories told in 27 countries.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
UNICEF hosts video contest in honor of CRC’s 20th anniversary
If you’re 25 years of age or younger, you’re invited to participate in UNICEF’S video contest to celebrate 20 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Participants are asked to create a short video showing what child rights mean to them, whether it is in the world at large, their country or their community.
Each video must:
- Be related to children’s rights, either by illustrating one of the rights or referencing children’s rights as a whole.
- Capture the mission of Voices of Youth to promote and protect every child’s right to know more, say more, and do more about the world they live in.
- Be exactly one minute long.
- Be free of any copyright materials.
Only one submission can be made by either a group or an individual, and it may also be sponsored by an organization or corporation. To submit to the contest, applicants must upload their videos to one of the following video sharing sites:
- YouTube http://www.youtube.com/
- Blip.tv http://blip.tv/
- Dailymotion http://www.dailymotion.com/
- Veoh http://www.veoh.com/
In addition, applicants must send an email to unicef.crc.videocontest@gmail.com indicating their name, age, link to movie upload, title of movie, postal address, email address and telephone number. The submitted videos will be reviewed by a global panel of media professionals and displayed on the main UNICEF website. The winning video will be shown at the CRC’s 20th anniversary celebration and will be made available for broadcast around the world for the 2010 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting. Shortlisted entries will be notified by September 10, 2009.
The deadline is August 1, 2009.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
First Ever Debate Tournament in Jordan!
The first ever debate tournament in Jordan just ended with quite a lot of excitiment. After the team from Amman-Hashmi found out they won the final debate over the team from Irbid, they burst into cheers and received a flurry of hugs and cheers from their friends and teammates.The tournament, held at the Princess Basma Youth Resource Center, was conducted all in Arabic in the Karl Popper Debate format and featured teams from throughout Jordan. In addition to Hashmi and Irbid, debaters came from Aqaba, Zarqa'a, Amman-Khalda, Taibeh, Karak, and Sahab. In the morning the debaters considered whether Jordan's reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) should be lifted. The afternoon topic centered on the relationship between tribal law and public law in Jordan. Each team debated each topic twice for a total of four debates.
The final round motion was (translated into English) was "The minimum age to run for the Parliament in Jordan should be 18". In the final debate, the team from Amman-Hahsmi, which went 3-1 in the preliminary rounds, narrowly beat the team from Irbid, which was 4-0 in the previous four debates, including a victory over Hashmi. More importantly, these 6 excellent debaters put forward their ideas to the honored guest for the final round, Jordan's Minister for Political Development. If the affrimative team convinced him enough, maybe we will soon see young people eligible to run for Parliament in Jordan! The top 5 individual speakers from the final round were also from the teams from Hashmi and Irbid.With the group of smart and committed debaters and coaches in Jordan, we certainly expect to see more great things from the Debate Kingdom! Many thanks to Sireen, Enas, Murad Q., Murad K., Mahmood and Suha from the Princess Basma Youth Resource Center, Charlie and Kinda from the British Council Jordan, and of course all the debaters and judges.
Friday, June 19, 2009
The next Big IDEA
You can find great stories like these in the next issue of the Big IDEA!
YDLU takes its first step with training its future leaders
IDEA has partnered with the Open Society Initiative for East Africa (OSIEA) and OSI Youth Action Fund to develop the Youth Debate League in Uganda. The main mission of the YDLU is to promote debate and discussion among young people in Uganda. It will build upon existing debate structures, as well as develop new debate chapters across the country. YDLU will also serve as an umbrella for various debate initiatives in Uganda and will facilitate the organization of a number of activities such as debate tournaments, competitions, public debates, youth campaigns, trainings, and curriculum development. Because debate is considered to be part of Uganda’s rich tradition, the YDLU is working to quickly develop its capacity in the country.
On June 16th – 19th, YDLU facilitated a seminar near Kampala for twenty-three teachers and youth leaders who were interested in becoming certified trainers so that they could help promote the program in their districts. These participants completed their first stage of training through IDEA’S certification process. The program focused on an introduction to the Karl Popper debate format, which will now be the uniform debate format for competitions in Uganda. It also included sessions on argumentation, judging, debate out-reach, and public debates. Future stages of the certification process will include prospective trainers' engagement in on-line instruction and exchange of experiences, follow-up face-to-face sessions and observation of classes/trainings conducted by trainers. IDEA is looking forward to continuing its work in Uganda and building on the success of its previous Ugandan programs (CTAC and DTD).
British School of Amsterdam hosts another wonderful workshop and debate
On June 19th, the British School of Amsterdam held its second annual workshop and public debate. The British parliamentary debate workshop was hosted by Arielle Dundess, and was co-hosted by Deborah Scroggins- coach of the British School of Amsterdam debate club, and Veronika Vlckova- IDEA representative. This year’s debate focused on a very hot topic in the Netherlands- “state funding should be banned from religious schools.” The winners were Casper and Tyjmen from Christelijk Lyceum Zeist, which is a school very active in public speaking activities and would be very excited to attend the national and international debate tournaments.
Oxfam-Novib employees taught new skills at IDEA workshop
On June 18th, IDEA was invited to hold a workshop for the employees of Oxfam-Novib about debate and how it could be used in the development of employee work and aid. IDEA representatives, Doutsen Langhout and Veronika Vlckova, organized different workshops that focused on counseling, dealing with emergency situations, and using a rights-based approach. The group of thirteen employees wanted to improve their debating skills, and learn how to make convincing arguments and presentations. At first, the participants thought debate and argumentation was easy. After trying it out themselves, they discovered that becoming a good debater requires much practice and preparation. IDEA and Oxfam-Novib will explore possibilities to work together on future projects as well.
YDLU takes its first step with training its future leaders
IDEA has partnered with the Open Society Initiative for East Africa (OSIEA) and OSI Youth Action Fund to develop the Youth Debate League in Uganda. The main mission of the YDLU is to promote debate and discussion among young people in Uganda. It will build upon existing debate structures, as well as develop new debate chapters across the country. YDLU will also serve as an umbrella for various debate initiatives in Uganda and will facilitate the organization of a number of activities such as debate tournaments, competitions, public debates, youth campaigns, trainings, and curriculum development. Because debate is considered to be part of Uganda’s rich tradition, the YDLU is working to quickly develop its capacity in the country.
On June 16th – 19th, YDLU facilitated a seminar near Kampala for twenty-three teachers and youth leaders who were interested in becoming certified trainers so that they could help promote the program in their districts. These participants completed their first stage of training through IDEA’S certification process. The program focused on an introduction to the Karl Popper debate format, which will now be the uniform debate format for competitions in Uganda. It also included sessions on argumentation, judging, debate out-reach, and public debates. Future stages of the certification process will include prospective trainers' engagement in on-line instruction and exchange of experiences, follow-up face-to-face sessions and observation of classes/trainings conducted by trainers. IDEA is looking forward to continuing its work in Uganda and building on the success of its previous Ugandan programs (CTAC and DTD).
British School of Amsterdam hosts another wonderful workshop and debate
On June 19th, the British School of Amsterdam held its second annual workshop and public debate. The British parliamentary debate workshop was hosted by Arielle Dundess, and was co-hosted by Deborah Scroggins- coach of the British School of Amsterdam debate club, and Veronika Vlckova- IDEA representative. This year’s debate focused on a very hot topic in the Netherlands- “state funding should be banned from religious schools.” The winners were Casper and Tyjmen from Christelijk Lyceum Zeist, which is a school very active in public speaking activities and would be very excited to attend the national and international debate tournaments.
Oxfam-Novib employees taught new skills at IDEA workshop
On June 18th, IDEA was invited to hold a workshop for the employees of Oxfam-Novib about debate and how it could be used in the development of employee work and aid. IDEA representatives, Doutsen Langhout and Veronika Vlckova, organized different workshops that focused on counseling, dealing with emergency situations, and using a rights-based approach. The group of thirteen employees wanted to improve their debating skills, and learn how to make convincing arguments and presentations. At first, the participants thought debate and argumentation was easy. After trying it out themselves, they discovered that becoming a good debater requires much practice and preparation. IDEA and Oxfam-Novib will explore possibilities to work together on future projects as well.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
First idebate festival in Zeeland enjoyed by all
On June 11th, the first Debate Festival in Zeeland, Netherlands, was organized by IDEA along with other local partners. There were about 120 participants between the ages of 13 and 20 years old. Local politicians, parents, teachers, school directors, and friends also visited the festival. With only five debate training sessions, the participants were able to express their opinions about several topics such as friendship, the internet, and aesthetic ideals.
The mentors for the debate were trained in September 2008 by the Youth Council, a professional school from Youth Work. The mentors then invited the youth to take part in debate trainings, which became so popular that there were even waiting lists. Unlike other debate programs in the Netherlands, IDEA’s target group is young people who often feel marginalized and have difficulty expressing themselves. Even though this target group found it very difficult to participate in public debate, the Debate Festival demonstrated how these young people successfully overcame their fears.
Visit our website for more information and pictures: http://workserver.idebate.org/idebatezeeland.
The mentors for the debate were trained in September 2008 by the Youth Council, a professional school from Youth Work. The mentors then invited the youth to take part in debate trainings, which became so popular that there were even waiting lists. Unlike other debate programs in the Netherlands, IDEA’s target group is young people who often feel marginalized and have difficulty expressing themselves. Even though this target group found it very difficult to participate in public debate, the Debate Festival demonstrated how these young people successfully overcame their fears.
Visit our website for more information and pictures: http://workserver.idebate.org/idebatezeeland.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Youth Forum lesson plan competition announced!
Join competition and win international exposure!
This six week campaign aims to gather lesson plans from the coaches and teachers that focus on climate change or one of the other specific motions of the Youth Forum. We will evaluate the lesson plans every week and announce the winners through the Youth Forum Newsletter. The authors of the best lesson plans will be announced at the closing ceremony. Apart from public recognition, the winners will receive a book of their choice from Idebate press and their lesson plans will be published in the next Idebate Magazine!
For more information go to: http://www.idebate.org/ideaforum/node/36#attachments
This six week campaign aims to gather lesson plans from the coaches and teachers that focus on climate change or one of the other specific motions of the Youth Forum. We will evaluate the lesson plans every week and announce the winners through the Youth Forum Newsletter. The authors of the best lesson plans will be announced at the closing ceremony. Apart from public recognition, the winners will receive a book of their choice from Idebate press and their lesson plans will be published in the next Idebate Magazine!
For more information go to: http://www.idebate.org/ideaforum/node/36#attachments
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The Big IDEA is back!
Youth Leadership Program with Bosnia and Herzegovina concludes, Big IDEA returns
Salem, ORE. USA (IDEA-Willamette office) — During the month of April, 18 high school students and three teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina journeyed here to experience American democracy and citizenship. Through debate, stays with American families, participation in community service projects, interactions with American high school students and immersion in courses, these students and teachers gained the tools for creating positive change in their home country.
By the time they landed in Oregon they were great friends, after having met at a five-day pre-departure orientation in Sarajevo, and keeping in touch through Facebook.
They began their stay by visiting local museums and landmarks. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry was a favorite for its Leonardo DaVinci exhibit and experiential OmniMax Theater.
Participants then immersed themselves in American life by staying with local families, who exposed them to Oregon’s abundant beauty, the rewards of having house-pets, spicier foods, even the American shopping experience.
Of course, they were all here to learn; soon they were studying American activism and democracy by pitching in at various service organizations, sitting in on an Oregon Supreme Court hearing, and attending interactive classes.
Debate is essential to change. The students learned to debate, and then competed with local high school students from Willamette University's college access program, Willamette Academy. Finally, the participants’ stay in Salem culminated in a championship debate adjudicated by judges from the Oregon Court of Appeals.
The next morning it was off to Washington, DC, for more museums and national landmarks. Everyone was tired, but reluctant to complain.
Before they knew it, their month-long journey had come to an end. IDEA-Willamette staff have since corresponded with the group, and they report culture shock. But if their Facebook pages are any indication, they'll help each other process the incredible experience!
This U.S. Department of State program was quite an experience for the IDEA-Willamette office as well; we learned a great deal from our 18 young leaders and three teachers. We also learned that it’s nearly impossible to put out an e-newsletter while administering such an intensive program. We miss our participants, and have missed The Big IDEA. Welcome back!
Read more about the Youth Leadership and Professional Development Program with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Washington Post, Statesman Journal, and Willamette University news.
New Orleans students stand up and debate
On May 9th, New Orleans students competed in their 2nd debate tournament this spring. After weekly lessons and three workshops, 18 high school and middle school teams debated the topic, “When in conflict, environmental protection should be prioritized over economic growth.”
Congratulations to everyone who competed! We hope to see you next school year!
High school finalists:
Alton Denson, Kiera Craft of Early College High School
High school semi-finalists:
Creshon Amos, Chrissy Purcell of UNO Upward Bound
Top high school speakers:
Jameson Warr1n
Unique Bass
Chrissy Purcell
Creshon Amos
Middle school finalists:
Iman Aslam, Caroline Bland and George Evangelouis of Metairie Academy
Middle school semi-finalists:
Megan Bott, Yelim Jung, Andy Beams of Metairie Academy
Top middle school speakers:
Vincent Soldano
Caroline Bland
Joshua Montrel
International Tournament of Champions a success
The 5th annual International Parliamentary Debate Tournament of Champions, held May 21st-23rd on the campus of Willamette University, was another success. Teams from Oregon, Washington, Texas, Utah, California and the Philippines competed in lively rounds during the two-day event, discussing various topics, including hate speech.
The very accessible parliamentary debate format, based on British parliamentary debate, is intended to help students develop a broad knowledge base, improve argumentative abilities and speak persuasively and extemporaneously. To learn more about the format, click here.
Finalists:
Erica Furer, Annie McKenna and Logan Brog of Bentley School, Lafayette, CA
Semi-finalists:
Joshua Tang and Ayesha Malik of Alief Kerr High School, Houston, TX
Ken Hall III and Amber Bernard of Silverton High School, Silverton, OR
Top speakers:
Annie McKenna, Bentley School, Lafayette, CA
Sam Duzett, Glencoe School
Ken Hall III, Silverton High School, Silverton, OR
Carson States, Silverton High School, Silverton, OR
Erica Furer, Bentley School, Lafayette, CA
Logan Brog, Bentley School, Lafayette, CA
Amber Bernard, Silverton High School, Silverton, OR
Katiemarie Harmon, Maeser Preparatory, Lindon, UT
Fred Nagtalon, Mariano Marcos, Philippines
Joshua Tang, Alief Kerr High School, Houston, TX
Slots still available at the Climate Advocacy Institute
The International Debate Education Association (IDEA), 350.org and Bloomfield College are organizing a 3-week in-depth Climate Advocacy Institute that will equip students with the skills and connections needed to fight global climate change. The Institute will be held in Deçemko, a private resort on the Aegean coast of Turkey.
From June 28 to July 18, 2009, an experienced team of organizers will lead workshops on everything from the most recent climate science to campaign strategy to online communications.
IDEA and 350.org staff from Lebanon, the United States and Europe will work with participants over the three-week Institute to develop basic organizing skills. In addition, the Climate Advocacy Institute offers the following four tracks to choose from:
• Debate & Argumentation REGISTRATION CLOSED
• Journalism & New Media
• Performance & Art Advocacy
• English as a Foreign Language
This incredible opportunity is jam-packed with exciting extra-curricular trips to major historic sites, sports games and lots of fun after-hours activities.
Meet and hang out with dozens of young climate activists, and become part of the growing network of 350.org youth activists worldwide.
Get university credit for taking part! To apply now and learn more, visit the advocacy institute website. Take three weeks and change the world!
NJFL Nationals draws record numbers
Registration for the 2009 IDEA-National Junior Forensic League National Tournament closed June 1st with a record 252 students!
From June 26th through 28th in San Antonio, Texas, these middle school students from around the country — and even South Korea — will compete in varying format sets, from Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum formats to Impromptu, Humorous Interpretation, Poetry, and more.
CRY Uganda begins youth empowerment project
CRY Uganda is currently implementing “Creating Peaceable Communities Through Empowering the Youths Project” which is supported by the European Union under the Northern Uganda Rehabilitation Program (NUREP) in the three districts of Lira, Kitgum and Amuru. While in Partnership with War Child Holland and KICWA, CRY-Uganda will implement debates, a peace theatre, and peace camp. The objective of the project is to empower the community through youth, including ex-combatants and former LRA abductees and promote a supportive environment and peaceful co-existence in the Acholi and Lango regions of Northern Uganda.
The debates will focus on the discussion of controversial issues affecting the peacebuilding process in northern Uganda.
From these events, CRY Uganda plans to choose a team of debaters to attend the IDEA Youth Forum.
For more information, please visit the CRY Uganda website.
Kenneth Opolot, CRY UGANDA
Minsk holds fifteenth annual debate tournament
Fresh ideas were reflected in the fifteenth annual spring debate tournament in Minsk. Although this was a national tournament, every year we have participants from all over Russia, including the usual participants from St. Petersburg, and new participants from Yakutsk. Others came from Berdyahnsk, and the cities of Vilnius and Utena in Lithuania. The tournament kicked off with an entertaining presentation of four countries’ cultures. The preliminary rounds of the debate were also very exciting as it focused on the question of whether “The problem of global climate change should take precedence over economic development.” Members of the international ecological forums would have been very impressed by some the debaters’ responses to the problem. Just like this year’s tournament, future debates in Minsk will surely amaze participants with more new and fresh ideas!
Zhvalevskaya Anastasiya, BSU lyceum, Belarus
Bucharest Debate House
On the 8th of April, the debate house and the “Impreuna” Agency organized the National Network of the Young Roma and the Ministry of Education and Research. Two high schools in Bucharest participated in this debate, which featured the topic, “Affirmative measures regarding Roma population are justified in Romania.” The debate was part of a larger project called “The Young Debate,” and was honored by the presence of many important figures of the Romanian educational system. We look forward to the national final event on June 1st.
On the 10th of April, the debate entitled, “Roma social inclusion: a European or national problem?” was moderated by one of the most renowned journalists in Romania, Mr. Mircea Toma. The topic prompted much controversy as it raised issues about the Roma elite, the reluctance of the government, and the misuse of funding for past projects.
Oana Diana Stanciu, Debate House Bucharest
Komarovo 2009 International Debate Forum
The North-Western Open Education Center, in partnership with Herzen University of St. Petersburg, hosted the 11th Komarovo International Debate Forum during April 30 through May 3, 2009. Students, ages 15-20, debated in English and Russian in one of the largest international high school debates in Eastern Europe. More than 150 debaters and coaches came from all over Russia, and more than 50 traveled from abroad. These three days included numerous workshops, much debating, and evening activities full of fun! The preliminary topic was “This house believes that, when in conflict, global climate change concerns should take precedence over economic development in rapidly developing countries.” The elimination round topic was “To combat climate change, nations should use cap and trade regulations rather than impose taxes on carbon emissions.”
For more details about this year’s debate forum, please visit our website at http://komarovo2009.edicypages.com/en.
Sergei Naumoff, St. Petersburg Debate Association
National Oratory Contest:
“The Future Starts Today”
In partnership with Rotaract University Bucharest, the Bucharest Debate House organized the regional stage of the National Oratory Contest on May 7th. High school students created five-minute speeches about why “The Future Starts Today.” After the event, participants also discussed current problems of the Romanian educational system and the need for a youth center. The national final was held on May 16th in Pitesti, where qualifiers were coached by the Debate House in preparation for the event.
United States Universities Debating-
University of Vermont
The US Universities Debating Championship was a success. Over one hundred and twenty teams took the field for an exciting tournament. However, this event did not go without its challenges. This year the tournament took on a new debate format- the WUDC debate form. This is new and different for much of America, but we are taking to it with a surprising level of vigor and skill. And, those familiar with the format put their trust into a new host in a new part of the country. By the end of the three-day competition there was a world-class final round with world-class debaters!
Oana Diana Stanciu, Debate House Bucharest
Round Robin results in
The 2009 HWS/ IDEA Invitational Round Robin went exceedingly well this year. The Round Robin included 16 colleges and universities with 32 participants. The full tab is available here. View the final round here.
Eric Barnes, Hobart & William Smith College
Salem, ORE. USA (IDEA-Willamette office) — During the month of April, 18 high school students and three teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina journeyed here to experience American democracy and citizenship. Through debate, stays with American families, participation in community service projects, interactions with American high school students and immersion in courses, these students and teachers gained the tools for creating positive change in their home country.
By the time they landed in Oregon they were great friends, after having met at a five-day pre-departure orientation in Sarajevo, and keeping in touch through Facebook.
They began their stay by visiting local museums and landmarks. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry was a favorite for its Leonardo DaVinci exhibit and experiential OmniMax Theater.
Participants then immersed themselves in American life by staying with local families, who exposed them to Oregon’s abundant beauty, the rewards of having house-pets, spicier foods, even the American shopping experience.
Of course, they were all here to learn; soon they were studying American activism and democracy by pitching in at various service organizations, sitting in on an Oregon Supreme Court hearing, and attending interactive classes.
Debate is essential to change. The students learned to debate, and then competed with local high school students from Willamette University's college access program, Willamette Academy. Finally, the participants’ stay in Salem culminated in a championship debate adjudicated by judges from the Oregon Court of Appeals.
The next morning it was off to Washington, DC, for more museums and national landmarks. Everyone was tired, but reluctant to complain.
Before they knew it, their month-long journey had come to an end. IDEA-Willamette staff have since corresponded with the group, and they report culture shock. But if their Facebook pages are any indication, they'll help each other process the incredible experience!
This U.S. Department of State program was quite an experience for the IDEA-Willamette office as well; we learned a great deal from our 18 young leaders and three teachers. We also learned that it’s nearly impossible to put out an e-newsletter while administering such an intensive program. We miss our participants, and have missed The Big IDEA. Welcome back!
Read more about the Youth Leadership and Professional Development Program with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Washington Post, Statesman Journal, and Willamette University news.
New Orleans students stand up and debate
On May 9th, New Orleans students competed in their 2nd debate tournament this spring. After weekly lessons and three workshops, 18 high school and middle school teams debated the topic, “When in conflict, environmental protection should be prioritized over economic growth.”
Congratulations to everyone who competed! We hope to see you next school year!
High school finalists:
Alton Denson, Kiera Craft of Early College High School
High school semi-finalists:
Creshon Amos, Chrissy Purcell of UNO Upward Bound
Top high school speakers:
Jameson Warr1n
Unique Bass
Chrissy Purcell
Creshon Amos
Middle school finalists:
Iman Aslam, Caroline Bland and George Evangelouis of Metairie Academy
Middle school semi-finalists:
Megan Bott, Yelim Jung, Andy Beams of Metairie Academy
Top middle school speakers:
Vincent Soldano
Caroline Bland
Joshua Montrel
International Tournament of Champions a success
The 5th annual International Parliamentary Debate Tournament of Champions, held May 21st-23rd on the campus of Willamette University, was another success. Teams from Oregon, Washington, Texas, Utah, California and the Philippines competed in lively rounds during the two-day event, discussing various topics, including hate speech.
The very accessible parliamentary debate format, based on British parliamentary debate, is intended to help students develop a broad knowledge base, improve argumentative abilities and speak persuasively and extemporaneously. To learn more about the format, click here.
Finalists:
Erica Furer, Annie McKenna and Logan Brog of Bentley School, Lafayette, CA
Semi-finalists:
Joshua Tang and Ayesha Malik of Alief Kerr High School, Houston, TX
Ken Hall III and Amber Bernard of Silverton High School, Silverton, OR
Top speakers:
Annie McKenna, Bentley School, Lafayette, CA
Sam Duzett, Glencoe School
Ken Hall III, Silverton High School, Silverton, OR
Carson States, Silverton High School, Silverton, OR
Erica Furer, Bentley School, Lafayette, CA
Logan Brog, Bentley School, Lafayette, CA
Amber Bernard, Silverton High School, Silverton, OR
Katiemarie Harmon, Maeser Preparatory, Lindon, UT
Fred Nagtalon, Mariano Marcos, Philippines
Joshua Tang, Alief Kerr High School, Houston, TX
Slots still available at the Climate Advocacy Institute
The International Debate Education Association (IDEA), 350.org and Bloomfield College are organizing a 3-week in-depth Climate Advocacy Institute that will equip students with the skills and connections needed to fight global climate change. The Institute will be held in Deçemko, a private resort on the Aegean coast of Turkey.
From June 28 to July 18, 2009, an experienced team of organizers will lead workshops on everything from the most recent climate science to campaign strategy to online communications.
IDEA and 350.org staff from Lebanon, the United States and Europe will work with participants over the three-week Institute to develop basic organizing skills. In addition, the Climate Advocacy Institute offers the following four tracks to choose from:
• Debate & Argumentation REGISTRATION CLOSED
• Journalism & New Media
• Performance & Art Advocacy
• English as a Foreign Language
This incredible opportunity is jam-packed with exciting extra-curricular trips to major historic sites, sports games and lots of fun after-hours activities.
Meet and hang out with dozens of young climate activists, and become part of the growing network of 350.org youth activists worldwide.
Get university credit for taking part! To apply now and learn more, visit the advocacy institute website. Take three weeks and change the world!
NJFL Nationals draws record numbers
Registration for the 2009 IDEA-National Junior Forensic League National Tournament closed June 1st with a record 252 students!
From June 26th through 28th in San Antonio, Texas, these middle school students from around the country — and even South Korea — will compete in varying format sets, from Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum formats to Impromptu, Humorous Interpretation, Poetry, and more.
CRY Uganda begins youth empowerment project
CRY Uganda is currently implementing “Creating Peaceable Communities Through Empowering the Youths Project” which is supported by the European Union under the Northern Uganda Rehabilitation Program (NUREP) in the three districts of Lira, Kitgum and Amuru. While in Partnership with War Child Holland and KICWA, CRY-Uganda will implement debates, a peace theatre, and peace camp. The objective of the project is to empower the community through youth, including ex-combatants and former LRA abductees and promote a supportive environment and peaceful co-existence in the Acholi and Lango regions of Northern Uganda.
The debates will focus on the discussion of controversial issues affecting the peacebuilding process in northern Uganda.
From these events, CRY Uganda plans to choose a team of debaters to attend the IDEA Youth Forum.
For more information, please visit the CRY Uganda website.
Kenneth Opolot, CRY UGANDA
Minsk holds fifteenth annual debate tournament
Fresh ideas were reflected in the fifteenth annual spring debate tournament in Minsk. Although this was a national tournament, every year we have participants from all over Russia, including the usual participants from St. Petersburg, and new participants from Yakutsk. Others came from Berdyahnsk, and the cities of Vilnius and Utena in Lithuania. The tournament kicked off with an entertaining presentation of four countries’ cultures. The preliminary rounds of the debate were also very exciting as it focused on the question of whether “The problem of global climate change should take precedence over economic development.” Members of the international ecological forums would have been very impressed by some the debaters’ responses to the problem. Just like this year’s tournament, future debates in Minsk will surely amaze participants with more new and fresh ideas!
Zhvalevskaya Anastasiya, BSU lyceum, Belarus
Bucharest Debate House
On the 8th of April, the debate house and the “Impreuna” Agency organized the National Network of the Young Roma and the Ministry of Education and Research. Two high schools in Bucharest participated in this debate, which featured the topic, “Affirmative measures regarding Roma population are justified in Romania.” The debate was part of a larger project called “The Young Debate,” and was honored by the presence of many important figures of the Romanian educational system. We look forward to the national final event on June 1st.
On the 10th of April, the debate entitled, “Roma social inclusion: a European or national problem?” was moderated by one of the most renowned journalists in Romania, Mr. Mircea Toma. The topic prompted much controversy as it raised issues about the Roma elite, the reluctance of the government, and the misuse of funding for past projects.
Oana Diana Stanciu, Debate House Bucharest
Komarovo 2009 International Debate Forum
The North-Western Open Education Center, in partnership with Herzen University of St. Petersburg, hosted the 11th Komarovo International Debate Forum during April 30 through May 3, 2009. Students, ages 15-20, debated in English and Russian in one of the largest international high school debates in Eastern Europe. More than 150 debaters and coaches came from all over Russia, and more than 50 traveled from abroad. These three days included numerous workshops, much debating, and evening activities full of fun! The preliminary topic was “This house believes that, when in conflict, global climate change concerns should take precedence over economic development in rapidly developing countries.” The elimination round topic was “To combat climate change, nations should use cap and trade regulations rather than impose taxes on carbon emissions.”
For more details about this year’s debate forum, please visit our website at http://komarovo2009.edicypages.com/en.
Sergei Naumoff, St. Petersburg Debate Association
National Oratory Contest:
“The Future Starts Today”
In partnership with Rotaract University Bucharest, the Bucharest Debate House organized the regional stage of the National Oratory Contest on May 7th. High school students created five-minute speeches about why “The Future Starts Today.” After the event, participants also discussed current problems of the Romanian educational system and the need for a youth center. The national final was held on May 16th in Pitesti, where qualifiers were coached by the Debate House in preparation for the event.
United States Universities Debating-
University of Vermont
The US Universities Debating Championship was a success. Over one hundred and twenty teams took the field for an exciting tournament. However, this event did not go without its challenges. This year the tournament took on a new debate format- the WUDC debate form. This is new and different for much of America, but we are taking to it with a surprising level of vigor and skill. And, those familiar with the format put their trust into a new host in a new part of the country. By the end of the three-day competition there was a world-class final round with world-class debaters!
Oana Diana Stanciu, Debate House Bucharest
Round Robin results in
The 2009 HWS/ IDEA Invitational Round Robin went exceedingly well this year. The Round Robin included 16 colleges and universities with 32 participants. The full tab is available here. View the final round here.
Eric Barnes, Hobart & William Smith College
Monday, June 01, 2009
Korean Youth Learn Diplomacy and Debating
Last week, middle school students from across Korea gathered in Seoul for a three-day journey into the life of a diplomat. The Middle School Youth Diplomacy Program offered 25 selected students the chance to sit in on panels by experts in diplomacy and international relations, tour a university campus, learn to debate and put their mediation skills to test in a diplomacy simulation on giving aid to Gaza. The program was jointly organized by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and a group of Fulbright grantees to South Korea.
IDEA joined in by leading a session in the first evening on the basics of public speaking and argumentation. After some warm-up activities that gave everyone practice speaking in front of a group, we went over the steps for building arguments and had some short debates on topics like banning cell phones in school. At the end of the session, students matched assertions, reasoning and evidence on topics related to Gaza, Israel-Palestine relations and the nature of aid. Based on the speed at which the students picked up argument building, it was easy to tell the diplomacy simulation and all of next few days would be full of good ideas and exchange.
Friday, May 29, 2009
IDEA-XJTU Debate Tournament a Success!
May was a busy month for debate in China. In addition to the National tournament outside of Beijing, May also held the IDEA-XJTU International Debate Tournament from the 22nd to the 24th.Hosted on the campus of Xi'an Jiaotong , the tournament had a one-day training and demonstration debate, followed by five preliminary rounds and two elimination rounds. Over 140 students participated in British Parliamentary Debate in separate English and Mandarin-language tracks. In the English division, many students chose to continue the tradition of "frienship teams," pairing visiting American students with Chinese students for the tournament.
Tournament topics centered on domestic and foreign policy. In semi-finals, both divisions debated the motion, "In developing nations with rapidly growing populations, the UN should promote a one child policy," while "China should eliminate affirmative action for Chinese ethnic minorities" was the motion for the final round. Congratulations to XJTU for fielding the top debaters in both divisions!
Kind thanks is owed to Dean Chen for her hardwork and hospitality in hosting the tournament, and the Mandarin and English trainers for lending their expertise. Hope to see you next year!
Semi-finals in the Mandarin division.
One of the neatest flows I've seen.
Difficult decisions.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The 13th China National English Debating Championship
The 13th annual China National English Debating Championship concluded May 16, 2009. 134 universities from across China fielded debate teams to compete in front of adjudicators from Thailand, the U.S., Singapore and China. which included a two-day training, eight preliminary rounds with three-judge panels, a break night party, and lots of fun.After a successful defense of the final motion on banning the selling and consumption of all tobacco products in China, the Macau University Debate Team were crowned champions. Read more (in Chinese!) here.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
IDEA-NFL Qualifier in Korea Wraps Up
Last weekend students from ten different high schools in Korea came together to compete in the fourth-annual IDEA-NFL Qualifier Tournament. After two busy days of debate and one packed day of speech events, Korea’s top forensics students were selected to participate in 2009 NFL National Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. This year saw six rounds of Public Forum Debate, four rounds of Original Oratory, and three rounds each of International Extemp, Interpretation and Duo Interpretation.Out of a pool of over 60 students, 9 were selected to represent Korea at the 2009 NFL National Tournament. They are:
____
Public Forum Debate
1st Place (Qualifier for NFL Nationals in Birmingham, Alabama): So Hyun Eum and Jeewon Yoo (Daewon Foreign Language High School)
2nd Place (Qualifier): Moon Yeol Lee and Joo Yeon Kim (Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies)
3rd Place (1st alternate): Won Young Choi and Joonpyo Sohn (Daewon)
4th Place (2nd alternate): Dennis Park and Yeeun Chun (Seoul International School-SIS)
4th Place (2nd alternate): Dennis Park and Yeeun Chun (Seoul International School-SIS)
International Extemp1st Place (Qualifier): Keunho Choi (Hanyoung Foreign Language High School)
2nd Place (1st alternate): Jason Huh (SIS)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Justin Song (SIS)
Original Oratory
1st Place (Qualifier): Sejin Paik (Korea International School-KIS)
2nd Place (1st alternate): Jae Yeon Jeong (Jungdong High School)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Jaewon Kim (Daewon)
Duo Interpretation
1st Place (Qualifier): Hannah Kim/Kristin Chung (KIS)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Jaewon Kim (Daewon)
Duo Interpretation
1st Place (Qualifier): Hannah Kim/Kristin Chung (KIS)
2nd Place (1st alternate): Ella Jeong/Audrey Park (Yongsan International School of Seoul- YISS)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Jimmy Kim/Woojin Kim (YISS)
Dramatic Interpretation
1st Place (Qualifier): Haeun Park (YISS)
2nd Place (1st alternate): Megan Song (KIS)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Sukyeon Won (SIS)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Jimmy Kim/Woojin Kim (YISS)
Dramatic Interpretation
1st Place (Qualifier): Haeun Park (YISS)
2nd Place (1st alternate): Megan Song (KIS)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Sukyeon Won (SIS)
Thank you to this year’s host, Hanyoung Foreign Language High School, and to the judges and coaches for their assistance. To the qualifiers-- congratulations on your success and good luck in June!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Youth Camp Istanbul: First Videos Uploaded!
Two videos and one audio have been featured on YouthCamp website.
Watch or listen to the presentation delivered on the YouthCamp in Istanbul and continue the discussion by leaving video comments or just regular comments on the posts:
Video Presentations
Audio Presentations
More videos are coming soon! Stay tunned!
Watch or listen to the presentation delivered on the YouthCamp in Istanbul and continue the discussion by leaving video comments or just regular comments on the posts:
Video Presentations
Audio Presentations
More videos are coming soon! Stay tunned!
Monday, April 06, 2009
2nd Singapore IDEA-NFL Tournament a Success!
The second IDEA-NFL Qualifier Tournament just wrapped up in Singapore. The top students in each of five speaking events earned spots to compete in the 2009 NFL National Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. This year saw over 60 competitors from nine different schools!
A large thank-you to Ms. Geetha Creffield, Shee Yong, Jasmin and the student volunteers from Anglo-Chinese Junior College for hosting this year's tournament. Their hospitality, organization and committment to the IDEA-NFL program made this tournament a great one. I'd also like to thank the judges and coaches from schools across Singapore for their help.
Results are below:
Duo Interpretation
1st Place (Qualifier for NFL Nationals in Birmingham, Alabama): Nagrani Vinesh Anil/Andrew Mark Ong (Anglo-Chinese Junior College--ACJC)
2nd Place (1st alternate for Birmingham): Aasth Chouhan/Ridhi Bhatnagar from GIIS-ECC
3rd Place (2nd alternate for Birmingham): Sara Vashudev/Shrutika Pandey (Global Indian School- East Coast Campus-- GIIS-ECC)
Humorous Interpretation
1st Place (Qualifier): Archana Sundraraj (ACJC)
2nd Place (1st alternate): Cumara Kalamacumar (ACJC)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Ashwini Sridhar (GIIS-ECC)
Dramatic Interpretation
1st Place (Arjuna s/o Segathesan (National Junior College)
2nd Place (1st alternate): Kwan Huiyan Rebecca (ACJC)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Eleanor Susan Lim (ACJC)
International Extemp
1st Place (Qualifier): Anish Hazra (Raffles Junior College--RJC)
2nd Place (Qualifier): Jessica Lee Chu En (Nanyang Girls’ High School—NGHS)
3rd Place (1st alternate): Thng Yiren (ACJC)
4th Place (2nd alternate): Yang Yu Yan (RJC)
Original Oratory
1st Place (Qualifier): Lee Jia Wei (RJC)
2nd Place (Qualifier): Yip Yuk Lum Jennifer (NGHS)
3rd Place (1st alternate): Wong En Hui Charis (NGHS)
4th Place (2nd alternate): Chia Pei Ling (NGHS)
they spoke...
...congrats to Singapore's Qualifiers!
A large thank-you to Ms. Geetha Creffield, Shee Yong, Jasmin and the student volunteers from Anglo-Chinese Junior College for hosting this year's tournament. Their hospitality, organization and committment to the IDEA-NFL program made this tournament a great one. I'd also like to thank the judges and coaches from schools across Singapore for their help.
Results are below:
Duo Interpretation
1st Place (Qualifier for NFL Nationals in Birmingham, Alabama): Nagrani Vinesh Anil/Andrew Mark Ong (Anglo-Chinese Junior College--ACJC)
2nd Place (1st alternate for Birmingham): Aasth Chouhan/Ridhi Bhatnagar from GIIS-ECC
3rd Place (2nd alternate for Birmingham): Sara Vashudev/Shrutika Pandey (Global Indian School- East Coast Campus-- GIIS-ECC)
Humorous Interpretation
1st Place (Qualifier): Archana Sundraraj (ACJC)
2nd Place (1st alternate): Cumara Kalamacumar (ACJC)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Ashwini Sridhar (GIIS-ECC)
Dramatic Interpretation
1st Place (Arjuna s/o Segathesan (National Junior College)
2nd Place (1st alternate): Kwan Huiyan Rebecca (ACJC)
3rd Place (2nd alternate): Eleanor Susan Lim (ACJC)
International Extemp
1st Place (Qualifier): Anish Hazra (Raffles Junior College--RJC)
2nd Place (Qualifier): Jessica Lee Chu En (Nanyang Girls’ High School—NGHS)
3rd Place (1st alternate): Thng Yiren (ACJC)
4th Place (2nd alternate): Yang Yu Yan (RJC)
Original Oratory
1st Place (Qualifier): Lee Jia Wei (RJC)
2nd Place (Qualifier): Yip Yuk Lum Jennifer (NGHS)
3rd Place (1st alternate): Wong En Hui Charis (NGHS)
4th Place (2nd alternate): Chia Pei Ling (NGHS)
they spoke...
they waited...
the scores were tallied...
...congrats to Singapore's Qualifiers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)