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Business Reporter
EIGHTEEN schools participated at the First Mutual Life inaugural National Association of Trust Schools juniors’ debate competition held in Bulawayo recently.

The head in charge of the competition, Sister Rudo Matsika from the Dominican Convent, Bulawayo highlighted that the aim of the event was to widen exposure of debate and improving eloquence and confidence in pupils.

Petra High School came first with Dominican Convent as the first runner up, St George’s College second runner up and Arundel School third runner up.

The best male speaker was Mduduzi Mhlanga from St John’s College and the best female speaker was Kimberly Chitando from Hellenics School.

Participating schools were drawn from Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Marondera, Masvingo and Chinhoyi. These included Arundel High School, Chisipite High School, Christian Brothers College, Dominican Convent Bulawayo, Eaglesvale, Falcon College, Gateway School, Hellenic Academy, Kyle College, Girls College, Goldridge College, Lomagundi College, Masiyephambili College, Peterhouse Boys, Petra High School, St George’s College, St John’s College, Watershed and Westridge High School.

The competition ran under the theme “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success”.

Guest of honour who is national sales and distribution marketing executive of First Mutual Life, Mr Nkosikhona Ndlovu said debate develops skills and knowledge that equips pupils to articulate their views in a logical, researched and well thought out manner.

“Beyond their academic careers, debaters tend to enjoy success in the world of work and tend to become leaders in their schools and communities because they develop strong listening skills, tact, self-confidence, and often take on strong leadership roles within their teams. These are attributes that we look for in a person if one is to be considered for employment anywhere in the world,” he said.

First Mutual Life has played a significant role in the education sector through providing orphans and vulnerable children countrywide with educational support to reintegrate.