Rwandan students participate in East African Community Integration debate competition

Hundreds of Students from various schools in Rwanda participated in the debate competition on East African Community Integration aimed at promoting regional integration.

The initiative, organized by the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, is aimed at enhancing knowledge among the students on benefits, opportunities and challenges for the regional integration project.

During the debate on October 9, 2013 officials advised them to embrace the culture of debating to gain knowledge and be able to compete at the regional level.

The Minister for East African Community Affairs, Jacqueline Muhongayire said that this competition is in line to enhance knowledge among students on benefits, opportunities and challenges on EAC integration

“This will create positive attitudes of students and their communities on EAC integration,” Muhongayire added.

While Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana urged the students to embrace the culture of debating.

He stressed that debate is a way to gain knowledge and know how to communicate and this will help young people to be competitive.

 ”Now the job market is no longer limited to Rwanda only; you can compete to get a job in any country across the region,” noted Nsengimana.

 The theme of inter- school debate competition is “EAC integration is based more on economic benefits compared to social, cultural and political benefits.

 Following formation of clubs, 60 schools were involved in debate competitions at district level, while 38 qualified for provincial level and 12 qualified for semi-final at national level

The final debate competition took place in Kigali City and 6 schools were awarded.

 Groupe Scolaire Notre Dame d’Afrique de Nyundo of Rubavu District won the competition.

 Schools and students received different awards. Some of the awards include TV Flat Screens, laptops and monetary awards for students and their focal point persons.

Rwandan students participate in East African Community Integration debate competition