The
3rd edition of Banjul Open national championship debate that has encouraged
debate developmental issues among young people in the country over the years,
has been slated for this Friday, at the University of The Gambia Law Faculty in
Kanifing.
Banjul
Open is the biggest and most vibrant debate organisation in The Gambia and has
been conducting debate training and activities throughout the nation in the
last three years.
Over
the years, with great foresight, it has been very determined in breeding the
spirit of debate in societies, cognizant of its relevance in promoting peace
and democracy in the democratic era.
The
theme of this year’s championship is “Dialogue and Debate: A substitute to
Violence” with the primary aim to conform to the general principles of using
speeches and dialogue as substitute to violence in an emerging democracy like
The Gambia, that defied political odds by electing and undertaking its first
peaceful change of government despite predictions to the contrary.
However,
despite the transfer of power without bloodshed, the country still faces
numerous challenges in reconciling its fragmented political sections and
visible ethnic divide.
Proposing
lasting solutions to the numerous political, social and economic challenges
require concerted efforts from all, especially students and teachers from
across the educational spectrum.
