JADE to host National Debaters’ Week

The Jamaican Association for Debating and Empowerment (JADE) Limited, elevating debate culture across Jamaica, will be hosting its second annual National Debaters’ Week (NDW) from Sunday, October 13 to Saturday, October 19, under the theme, ‘Hear me ROAR (Rise, Organise, Articulate, Reason)’.

It is a week-long celebration established to elevate awareness and ignite interest in debating, particularly among young people across Jamaica, and will feature a range of exciting activities that will highlight the importance of debate and its role in shaping young minds.

This commemoration has been formally proclaimed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and is endorsed by the Ministry of Education and Youth, JADE says in a release.

Germaine Barrett, founder and executive director of JADE, notes that “National Debaters’ Week establishes a pivotal platform upon which the skills of effective communication, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and conflict resolution can be catalysed across the length and breadth of Jamaica”.

The activities start tomorrow with a national church service at Ocho Rios Methodist Church, 85 Main St, Ocho Rios, St Ann, to be followed on Monday, October 14 with the Zone A Debate Invitational to be hosted by Wolmer’s Boys’ School in Kingston, featuring debates among schools in Zone A.

The debating continues on Tuesday, October 15 with the Zone B Debate Invitational at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay, St James, featuring debates among schools in Zone B, and on Wednesday, October 16, with the Zone C Debate Invitational at Knox College, in Manchester, showcasing the debating talents of schools in Zone C.

Another high point of the week is the ‘Debate Leadership Summit’ at Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville, Manchester on Thursday. It brings together approximately 100 students and staff leaders for workshops on establishing and maintaining a debate society, coach training, drafting high-impact proposals, and project management.

The ‘Day of Service’ will unfold on Friday, October 18, as participants, giving back to communities, engage themselves in volunteer activities at My Father’s House in Kingston, Gift of Hope in Manchester, and Blessed Assurance in Montego Bay. The week climaxes with ‘JADE Peppa Pot and Pageant’, featuring performances in songs, poetry, and dance, and culminating in the crowning of Mr and Ms. JADE on Saturday, October 19.

“These events are designed to develop and showcase the skills and talents of Jamaica’s youths in the areas of debating and public speaking. As part of its ongoing mission, JADE is excited to mark a significant milestone this year, 10 years of fuelling a thinking revolution in Jamaica.

“This achievement highlights JADE’s steadfast commitment to nurturing critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills among the youths. Over the years, JADE has successfully empowered countless young Jamaicans to engage in thoughtful discourse, equipping them with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of today’s world … JADE is eager to continue its legacy of enhancing the culture of debate and inspiring future leaders across the nation,” JADE says. It may be contacted at info@myjade.org and www.myjade.org