The Debate

We are two volunteers who have been teaching Standard 4 at Olives Rehabilitation Centre in Bombolulu. During the course of our English sessions, we have worked on the children's reading and writing skills and they have written a few pieces of creative writing.

As part of the Olives timetable, the children take part in a Symposium/Debate every Thursday afternoon. Examples of recent subjects the children have debated are whether "Doctors are Better Than Nurses" and whether "Shopping at Nakumatt - local 24 hour supermarket - is Better Than Using Local Shops" in the community.

GVI volunteer, Lucy, writing suggested topics on the board for Standard 4's debate

We decided, as part of our English lessons to stage a debate of our own, with just the children in Standard 4, giving them all the opportunity to voice their opinions. We felt this was a good idea as it would develop the skills and give the shy children a chance to shine.

Faith from Standard 4 making a point in debate, watched by GVI volunteer Ashley

We started off discussing with the children possible topics for debate, then highlighted the subjects we believed age appropriate, highlighting that we believed "Boys Being Better Than Girls" (a topic VERY popular with the children!) was too easy for them. We introduced them to the idea of anonymous voting and counted the votes infront of the children. Their chosen topic was "Attending Boarding School is Better Than Attending Day School".

GVI volunteers Lucy and Jamie with Standard 4 counting the votes

The children really took to the subject seeming to really get into the role of being a student at boarding school.  We specified we were not having all girls on one side and all the boys on the other (something which is normally popular) and in the end they had a great time debating against their own sex. 

Patrick and Joseph debating day schools vs. boarding schools

The children came up with some brilliant points and eventually decided day schools was better than boarding schools, only winning by one point. 

The children really enjoyed the lesson and  came up with some really good points. They were able to think about both sides of the argument. It is definitely something we think should continue at it develops the children's English speaking skills and works on their confidence which is all some of the children need to really shine.

Patrick answering a question from the opposing side on why day schools are better

Lucy & Jamie, September 2010

The Debate