From debate participant to debate coach!
The prestigious Solomon’s International debate is currently reaching beyond international borders, joining hands with different countries and transforming the lives of normal students.
Koopman K, author
Mon Nov 14, 2021
I am Kirsten Koopman, a South African student who started out merely as a participant in Solomon’s international debate program, and thanks to this program I have been able to excel and lead my own debate team. This has been a life-changing achievement.
So what is the International Solomon’s debate? And what is all the talk about? Well in a nutshell its a program founded by the Washington Academy High School in East Orange and from its conception the program has grown enormously eventually making its way all to South Africa.
The program aims at launching debates between schools ,opening the conversation between students with regard to often thought-provoking and controversial topics. The program encourages a different approach to the normal debate allowing for students to formulate logical arguments simultaneously challenging the status quo with regards to global issues.
At a meager 17 years old I stepped onto the international podium, very unsure of who I was as a debater. It didn’t take very long for the program to latch onto me, like a pen to paper. Nonetheless I partook in the debates often between other schools within the United States.This program has taught me the importance of communication:its effectiveness and power. I have grown not only as a debater technically but also individually. Throughout my journey the Solomon’s International debate has encouraged me to analyse debates in such a way that both my winnings and losses were counted as profitable. Fundamentally the international stage exposed me to an entire new world to which I realised I am now a part of, and I have a great responsibility. Not just as a loyal participant but as an orator. Words are powerful and when communicated it can send shockwaves.
Humorously there were many shockwaves reaching the shores of different countries, to everyone’s assurance those waves settled peacefully after each debate. Debaters really have grown to respect one another and this has been quite a sight to behold. I have learnt the incredible responsibility and am looking forward to other young ambitious students to join me. It’s not always stringent, it can be quite convivial over here!
Today I am no longer the easily intimidated young girl battling with self doubt and anxiety before a speech, but a confident leader and debater in my own right. And that all thanks to the program. I am currently the debate Coach for team South Africa and am proudly passing the baton on to my team.
As with other teams I have seen students grow like I have grown and I am thrilled to get a glimpse of upcoming debaters and their journeys.
In the age of anti-intellectualism it is rare that we have platforms encouraging rebuttals,challenging perceptions and the notions of public opinion. If you value young people who are venturing towards this I urge you to be part by tuning in to our debates.
We value the contribution of the public and I cannot wait to see how the program is going to impact you!