Friday, Apr 13, 2012

Gulf News

Sharjah An Emirati pupil from Wasit Model School for Girls aims to initiate an inter high school debate competition and contribute to the development of schools in the country.

The concept of introducing such a competition stems from the fact that Nouf Al Hammadi, 17, was chosen by the Ministry of Education to represent the UAE at the International High Schools Arabic Debating Championship (ISADC2012), which took place in Doha from April 2 to 4.

Teams

Twenty-one teams representing 20 Arab countries and Malaysia, and Nouf was chosen as best speaker in the Arab World.

The event is the first edition of the competition to be held in the Arabic language.

Sharifa Mousa, Director of the department of activities and competitions at the UAE Ministry of Education, said that the ministry was represented in the competition by five students who were trained extensively before registering in the Championship, which saw a high standard of competition and innovation from participating students.

“The UAE team was able to win in two debating rounds on these topics: ‘Cancelling the veto in the UN Security Council’, and ‘Cosmetic Surgeries’, and ‘How to treat children’,” said Sharifa.

Upon her return, Nouf explained that even though she had no training on how to debate, one of her teachers nominated her to participate in the competition.

“I practised debating for one month on a daily basis, and quickly got the confidence to spread my message across in a decisive and persuasive way.” She said she never shied away from speaking in public.

“This opportunity gave me so much experience in the field, and I want others in the UAE to also have such an opportunity,” Nouf said.

High schools

“We do not have a debate competition in the country so I am eager to start one up soon and that high schools can compete with one another,” said Nouf, who is also leader of the school’s student council.

By participating in the international debate competition, Nouf said that her career path of acquiring a Bachelor degree in Law seemed clearer, and already has her eyes set on some of the UAE’s leading universities.

By Mariam M. Al Serkal?Staff Reporter

Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.