Over 400 students from 36 secondary schools across the country on Sunday engaged in a commonwealth debate at Lycee de Kigali in Kigali City. The event was organized by Innovative Partners Rwanda (IPR).

Innocent Ninsiima the Managing Director of IPR, said that the purpose of the debate was to promote critical thinking among the young people in the country.

"We want to ensure that Rwanda has an international presence in the debating arena and also sensitize the public about government policies through these debates,” Ninsiima said.

Under the theme ‘Fighting poverty and ignorance while uniting for a more sustainable future’, Ninsiima said that the debate was a great success, but highlighted that they still face challenges of funds to finance more debates.

Patrick Karangwa, the Director General of PAJEER, a Rwandan Youth Parliamentary NGO involved in developing debates in the country, said that it is a good sign of development to see the youth, as the foundation of the nation, involved in developmental activities.

"This creates a firm foundation for our youth in the country,” Karangwa said.

He urged IPR, a young and growing organization, not to be centred on profit making but focus more on enlightening the entire country and schools on the importance of critical thinking in schools.

IPR is currently organizing the East African School Debate Championship that will take place in Rwanda in June bringing together secondary schools from all the EAC member states.

Ends