Programs

October – February

East African Policy Debate League

“Debate opened up a whole new world for me. It surprises me what I can do with my voice right now. I’m changing the future, I’m changing society, slowly, bit by bit.”

– Maryam, Anne Sullivan Communication Center

In an interconnected world, it’s more important than ever to engage students as global citizens. The East African Policy Debate program builds both local expertise and international awareness, preparing students to understand complex global issues through the rich lens of East African policy and culture.

During the winter, students in our East African Policy Debate program practice with coaches, learning globally-focused curriculum. At weekly practices, students prepare to debate critical topics covering policies pertaining to East African countries and their impact. Students learn about policies impacting countries such as Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Debaters have the opportunity to debate at three thrilling competitive tournaments, leading to our special championship/community celebration event.

The East African Policy Debate League provides far more than an opportunity for students to debate, including:

  • Community-Building: These debates are open to a community audience of parents, friends, and elders, empowering students to become educators and increasing the collective understanding of policy topics related to East African countries.

  • Empowerment to Take Action & Make Change: Students generate ideas in debate, imagining their own solutions to global issues and are empowered to apply that knowledge in their own communities.

  • Skills for School, Higher Education, and Beyond: Debaters in all programs improve their critical thinking skills, master the power of persuasion, grow civic engagement, build resilience, gain the intrinsic motivation to become lifelong learners – and much more.

East African Policy Debate Judges Wanted

Judges watch debate rounds and then evaluate teams on argumentation, logic, and public speaking skills. No prior experience is necessary to volunteer. Judges receive a short training and all necessary materials prior to the start of tournaments. Note: East African Policy Debate is currently held in English. Please email udlvolunteers@augsburg.edu for more information.