OSCE encourages student debating in Armenia
YEREVAN, 14 November 2013 – Some thirty five students from seven Armenian universities are gathering in Yerevan today and tomorrow for the final in a series of debates.
The initiative, supported by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Jinishian Memorial Foundation (JMF) and the US Embassy in Armenia, gives students an opportunity to improve their public speaking, debating and research skills, as well as helps promote civic activism among students.
The project started in May 2013 and involved some 280 university students aged 18-25 from Yerevan, Idjevan, Gavar, Gyumri, Goris, Kapan and Vanadzor. Participants were trained in both debating and researching, and participated in a number of thematic workshops with state institutions, civil society and international organizations in preparation for this final tournament. Debate topics have ranged from the public financing of higher education and youth political parties, to women’s role in the military. The winners will be announced after the final debate to be held tomorrow.
Oliver McCoy, Democratization Programme Officer at the OSCE Office in Yerevan said, “The ability to communicate effectively is the lifeblood of democracy. Mature, stable democracies not only provide space for a range of different opinions, but the citizens themselves are knowledgeable and express their points persuasively. It’s encouraging to see these skills on display here today.”
Ruben Krikyan, Civil Society and Education Program Coordinator of the JMF Armenia, added: “Building communication and analytical thinking skills among youth are very important as it gives them the opportunity to actively participate in the development of the civil society in Armenia.”