By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Chozen Generation Sierra Leone officially launched the 4th Edition of the National Debating Championship for Girls 2025 at the Africell American Corner on Bathurst Street, in Freetown. Under the theme: "For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment," the event aims to equip young women with the skills and confidence to engage in public discourse, fostering leadership and advocacy in gender-related matters.

The launch event brought together students, teachers, debate coaches and key stakeholders together, all united by the vision of empowering young women through debate.

Delivering the opening remarks, a representative of Chozen Generation Sierra Leone, Alfreda Koroma emphasized the importance of the competition in bridging gender gaps in leadership and public speaking. He noted that past editions had already produced remarkable young women who have excelled in various leadership roles and platforms, making a strong case for continued investment in the initiative.

The highlight of the event was an inspiring keynote speech by Ellis Louise De Rooi, who passionately spoke about the power of words and the necessity of women's voices in leadership and societal development.

Expressing her excitement about the championship, Ellis Louise De Rooi reflected on her own school experience, regretting not having participated in debates and admiring those who did for their ability to express their views with confidence and logic.

She underscored the importance of thoughtful and intelligent voices in today's world, rather than simply loud ones. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, she illustrated how words can drive change and shape history.

Ellis Louise De Rooi also warned against the dangers of a single narrative where power is viewed as exclusively male, stressing that women bring unique leadership qualities such as empathy and a focus on human-centered solutions. She praised the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio and all strong women for their fearless advocacies in promoting women’s rights and education.

Encouraging participants to see mistakes as stepping stones to growth, she urged them to use their voices boldly and responsibly. She concluded by commending the organizers for creating a platform that goes beyond competition, fostering leadership, empowerment and meaningful change.

Tracy Jac-During, the lead organizer, provided an overview of the championship’s journey since its inception in 2016. Despite challenges such as financial constraints and logistical difficulties, the initiative has continued to expand, she informed. “This year, the competition will see participation from 24 schools and 48 students, marking its first-ever expansion into Bo and Makeni to ensure a broader national representation,” Tracy Jac-During further disclosed.

According to her, the championship will follow the British parliamentary debate format, fostering critical thinking and constructive argumentation. She continued by maintaining how in a unique step, the debates will not be restricted to polished English alone underscoring that articulate arguments in Creole will also be encouraged, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

Tracy Jac-During revealed that key recommendations from the debates will be compiled into policy documents and shared with Government officials and policymakers, amplifying the voices of young women in governance discussions. The championship is scheduled for May 2025, with workshops and training set for April to adequately prepare participants.

To ensure a smooth experience for participants, the organizers will provide transportation, meals and mentorship support for pupils and accompanying teachers. The competition will focus on challenging ideas rather than individuals, fostering a spirit of intellectual exchange and mutual learning.

The prizes include:

-Winner: NLe 15,000 for the school

-Runner-up: NLe 10,000 for the school

- Outstanding Individual Awards for exceptional debaters

Additionally, this year’s event will introduce a digital skills training program for girls, a long-anticipated initiative aimed at equipping young women with technology-driven knowledge to complement their debating skills.

Tracy Jac-During called for financial and institutional support from corporate organizations, philanthropists and educational institutions to sustain the initiative and enable wider participation.

At the launch event, Kijana Morgan, winner of the 2023 and 2024 editions of the championship, shared her experience in competitive debating. She expressed immense pride in her journey, recalling how nervousness and self-doubt initially held her back. However, through perseverance, guidance from judges and encouragement from peers, she developed confidence in public speaking and advocacy.

Kijana Morgan emphasized key lessons she learned:

- Never underestimate an opponent

- Confidence should be balanced with humility

- Research is the backbone of a strong argument

Beyond the competition, debating ignited her passion for women’s rights advocacy, reinforcing the importance of informed and fearless voices in national conversations. She encouraged this year’s participants to embrace challenges, step out of their comfort zones and enjoy the journey, assuring them that their efforts would be rewarding and life-changing.

With the championship set to kick off in May and workshops and training scheduled for April, the National Debating Championship for Girls 2025 is poised to be an impactful and transformative event. Participants will challenge societal norms, propose solutions to pressing gender issues, and refine their leadership skills—all while competing for top honors.

The event serves as a call to action for organizations and stakeholders to support young women in public discourse, ensuring that their voices are heard and their potentials realized. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/chozen-generation-sierra-leone-unveils-4th-edition-of-the-national-debating-championship-for-girls-2025/