Lycee de Kigali won the National Youth entrepreneurship debate championship which concluded yesterday in Kigali. Lycee de Kigali beat King David Academy in the finals, to walk away with a trophy. There were six students that participated in the debate and each was awarded a tablet. Also two students, Isimbi Uwase Belinda, from King David Academy, and Kellya Kaneze of Well Spring Academy were recognized as top speakers and given tablets. Out of 139 schools that participated in the competitions, only 16 schools made it to the national level pre-selection exercise held on Saturday, which saw Lycee de Kigali and King David Academy make it to Sunday’s finals. Dieudonne Kagame Ishimwe, the Chief Executive of Rwanda Inspiration Backup, the organisers, said this year’s competition attracted many new entrants compared to previous editions. The debate topic was: Government’s role in achieving cashless economy, savings as key to entrepreneurship. On behalf of the winners, Abiel Intwarane from Lycee de Kigali attributed their victory to commitment, enough preparation and hard work. “We are so honored to win this competition for the second time. We owe this victory to our commitment to success and preparations to understand the topic very well through research. I call on other youth to pick interest in debating as well because apart from winning prizes we gain more understanding of issues affecting our country and see how to make our contribution as youth,” he said. Pricilla Kayitesi of King David said they had learned a lot from the competition and looked forward to winning the trophy next year. She admitted that the winning team was strong on arguments, and concrete statistics which showed they had made their research. Speaking at the event, Rosemary Mbabazi , the minister for Youth commended the organisers and all partners who dedicate their finances and efforts to such a great competition that empowers youth. She said that such competition is among ways of training youth in public speaking as future leaders of the country. “This debate is one of the financial literacy platforms that helps to educate students about different national initiatives and enhances their knowledge about the country‘s economy and the role they have to play as youth. Especially, for this topic about cashless economy, it is very important that our youth understand the country’s vision and as they grow up into entrepreneurs help the country to achieve this target,” she said. The annual debating competition started in 2012. It is organised to help the youth find solutions to problems that affect them. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
