By Lauryn Ojore

The Spoken Arts & Debate Society (SADS) in conjunction with the African Debate Academy, hosted the Nairobi Schools Open Tournament at USIU-Africa campus on February 11 and 12. The Nairobi Schools Open Tournament is the first of a series of championships set to be held in the coming semesters and years. It attracted 800+ students from over 25 high schools from Nairobi and beyond to engage in debate, public speaking and quizzes.

The core objective of the program was to get young students to engage in meaningful discussions about world affairs and matters that affect the society, as well as market the school to potential future USIU-Africa students through the aid of the Admissions Office. The participants competed in various categories, including junior and senior categories, to showcase their public speaking and debating skills.

The tournament was more than just a competition; it was a platform for young students to engage in meaningful discussions and express their ideas on important issues affecting society. For SADS, hosting the tournament was crucial as it showcased their dedication to nurturing critical thinking, communication skills, and leadership qualities among high school students. Through the tournament, SADS was able to create an environment where students could learn and grow beyond the classroom, by providing them with opportunities to sharpen their public speaking and debating skills, build self-confidence, and develop a passion for leadership. The tournament was a stepping stone for SADS towards achieving its goals of empowering young people through the art of speaking, and it is a clear indication that the club is committed to making a positive impact in the community.

The students showed great enthusiasm and were highly engaged throughout the tournament. Their passion and dedication to the art of public speaking were evident in the way they participated in the various events. The level of competition was high, and the students' performances impressed the judges and spectators alike. The debates required participants to engage in both prepared and impromptu debates. The students displayed impressive research skills, persuasive speaking, and teamwork, which were evaluated by experienced judges.

The public speaking activities allowed students to showcase their skills in delivering speeches on various topics. Public speaking is a vital skill that plays a significant role in communication and self-expression. The competition provided an excellent platform for students to develop their public speaking abilities and build their confidence. Furthermore, the quiz competition was another exciting part of the event. The quiz tested students' general knowledge, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. It was an excellent opportunity for the students to demonstrate their knowledge and compete in a friendly and supportive environment.

After a series of intense debates, the winners of the debate competition were announced, and Kinderworld school emerged as the champions. The competition was intense, and all the schools that participated deserve praise for their hard work and dedication. The public speaking champion overall, hailed from Kianda School.

The success of the event would not have been possible without the outstanding work ethic of the SADS committee. They worked tirelessly to ensure that the event ran smoothly, from the registration process to the closing ceremony and that participants had a positive experience. Their hard work and dedication were instrumental in making the event a great success. More Importantly, SADS extends gratitude to the club coordinators Chris Ayuoyi and Jane Nyaga as well as the club patron, Dr. Quin Juma who provided invaluable support and guidance for the Nairobi Schools Open Debate Championships.

The Nairobi Schools Open Debate Championships was a testament to the power of collaboration, hard work, and dedication. We look forward to more successful events in the future, and we encourage all students to continue honing their public speaking and debating skills.