Preliminary finals for inter-school debate in NCD underway at APEC Haus

The Interschool debate among eight Secondary Schools in the National Capital District is currently underway at the APEC House in Port Moresby.

This is part of the month-long PNG Resources Week activities that are underway in Port Moresby.

The first debate topic; "Is it more beneficial for governments to prioritize women's skills training and leadership development over traditional infrastructure investments in resource rich regions?" was debated between Jubilee Secondary school and Kopkop College.

This follows by the second debate between Port Moresby International School and the Koiari Park Secondary on the topic ,'Do delays and opaque processes among regulatory agencies impede responsible development in PNG's resource sectors.' Rest is currently underway.

Manager of PNG Resource Golden Expo, Ruth Waram urged parents to bring their children who are in school to come and watch the debate.

“So the preliminary final started today with eight schools competing. We got to the semi-finals on July 22nd when we narrowed it down to four schools. And then we've got the grand final on the 25th, which is the last day.

“The debate is open to the public. It would be really interesting to come and listen to the kids talk about this industry.

“For them, this is their first encounter with the industry. So we're hoping that it will also inspire a lot of them to come and work in the industries, future geologists, engineers, surveyors, the different roles that are available in the industry.” Waram said.

Meanwhile, Debate Facilitator and CEO of Emstret Holdings Ltd, Vani Nades says the schools’ debates have not been held for some years and she is excited that this important activity is making a comeback through the request of the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy.

"Since the COVID, we have been trying to find a way to make a comeback around the school debates. This opportunity came about when the PNG Resource Golden Week team wanted the inter-school debates to be one of the features of the event for this month and for Resource Week as well. We were tasked with facilitating the inter-school debates. I jumped at the occasion because I really wanted to do a debate. It was an opportunity for us to ignite our school debates as well."

Ms, Nades says debates have been a very key part of students' learning so that they become part of discussion surrounding important issues.

"It is very great and important to have young kids to be a part of it as well so that they are able to discuss the motions. They are able to do research and articulate the motions as well. The inter-school debates are basically a competition where we invite schools to come and debate on the motions and discuss for and against. It is really great to be back again."

In line with the preparations for the upcoming 50th Golden Jubilee and the evolution of the resource sector, the debate topics are around governance, economic and resource policy.