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OSCE ENCOURAGES STUDENT DEBATING IN ARMENIA
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Nov 14 2013
VIENNA, Austria
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."
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Nov 14 2013
VIENNA, Austria
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."