“

We were invited to take part in the NDL Maputo Championship in February 2024 which we took on as an experiment. As a trilingual school with a clear focus on academia, and little time set aside for formal debating clubs, we were unsure whether our pupils would be prepared for the challenge. However, our aim of nurturing global citizens of the future fits with the NDL spirit, and we were pleasantly surprised by how they reacted. Collaborating, analysing and performing without fear are areas that we embrace, and have seen in action among all the students from different schools taking part across the age groups during the championship. It was a deeply enriching and empowering experience that we are sure to be less hesitant about in the future!

”

“

In 2022, I launched the Wynberg Girls' Junior debating society, but finding competition proved difficult. Just before the 2023 NDL Cape Town league, a colleague introduced me to Thishin Moodley's fantastic primary school program. Despite our initial nerves (both the girls and myself!), Thishin's support and training transformed our team. We learned so much from experienced coaches and fellow debaters, even reaching the league's quarter-finals! NDL offers age-appropriate topics, fosters a wonderful school community, and has become an integral part of our year. I highly recommend it to any school looking to empower their young debaters.

”

“

Entering the league for the first time was an enriching experience for both the students and teacher at our school. The introductory workshop was particularly helpful, providing us with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate the league successfully. Thishin was always available to clarify any doubts or questions, making the entire process much smoother.

The children thoroughly enjoyed the tournaments, where they had the opportunity to meet peers and teachers from other schools. The diverse and engaging topics encouraged them to deepen their general knowledge and think critically about various issues. Through debating, they developed important skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork.

As a teacher, I appreciated the chance to interact with other adjudicators and participate in the adjudicating rounds. It was a rewarding experience to see the students grow and improve with each debate.

Overall, this league provided a fantastic platform for our students to learn and grow, and we look forward to participating again in the future.

”

“

My name is Dara O da silva, and I participated in the NDL Debate competition that took place in February 2024 at the Maputo International school.

I am in grade 10, and this was the first time I ever participated in any kind of debate competition so it was a new experience for me. Even though I was really out of my comfort zone, it was still an amazing experience for me, and being with my friends made it better. I am now less afraid of public speaking, and realized how hard it is to talk about something you might not believe in or agree with and still sound convincing and confident.

I was up against many other teams, and tried to learn with every round. I'm glad I challenged myself to participate in this competition. Now I know that I do like debating and learned so much about it. I also got the chance to practice and improve some skills like public speaking, working under pressure, making strong arguments, doing a lot of research and so much more.

I would definitely do this again if I had a chance and I highly recommend it.

”

“

At the start of the season the boys were anxious as this was an all-time first for them. The warmth and safe environment offered during the debate season has grown both their confidence and ability. At the start of our term, they were all lined up outside my class (before extra murals began for the term), begging to start debate. It has been such a privilege to both work with you and the other members and then to witness the growth of my learners.

”

“

Glenanda Primary School joined the Johannesburg South Debating League which has proven to be an extremely rewarding experience. The knowledge that the organiser, Mr T. Moodley shared was both conducive and efficacious since it had tips and tricks that helped our learners become successful. By participating in Inter-School competitions, it led them into becoming effective, buddying debaters and very competitive against high profile schools. Our learners' success from this experience has made them confident and conscious of greater expectations. Mr T.Moodley portrays a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm in what he does.

”

“

Debating this year was one of the most fun things that I have ever done. It really shaped my love for debating and grew my understanding of it. It helped me in so many different ways, like making connections and friendships. When I started out at the beginning of this year I never thought I would get to where I am today. When we started we barely knew the first thing about debating, but as we grew and learned together, taught each other, we became who we are today.

”

“

I would like to offer our utmost gratitude to what you and your team have done with the NDL. Our first ever debate was a memorable experience in all the ways possible. We look forward to the next tournament and growing in our knowledge and skills for the next debate.

”

“

Debate has made me develop life skills (like public speaking) that I will apply to my future years. The love I have developed for debating is so immense that I will definitely continue to do debate through high school. I have made so many connections within my team but also with my opponents. I remember my first debate competition and how nervous I was but with the support from my coach, my team and my friends we managed to win! I have learnt so much from debate and I know that my debate team and coach will always have a special place in my heart.

”

“

Debate has taught me to see things from a different perspective. It has taught me new facts and knowledge that will help me learn in school and has taken my skills from school to make my arguments. It has also helped me discover my passion for public speaking.

”

“

Debating has shown me that there isn't a direct answer to a problem. You have to think carefully about how you answer and how you can persuade people to believe what you say.

”

“

My name is Ayisha Adriano, I am currently in grade 10 and I participated in the NDL debate competition in February of 2024. It was the first time I participated in a competition against multiple other schools, representing mine, so it was a completely new experience for me. Participating in this, made me get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself but it also helped me improve many skills such as public speaking, convincing an audience with strong points to enhance my idea and motion, thinking and working fast and under pressure... I discovered something that I did not know I enjoyed until then and it gave me the opportunity to be around people my age with similar interests, and have a good time with friends while learning. It gave me confidence in speaking up and thought me how to better work in a group, in a team. It also improved my researching skills because that is something we had to do a lot of to prepare our debates and motions. I am very happy and grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in this competition, I hope to participate in future debate competitions and I believe that it is something everyone should try.

”