Debate gets ANG support

By Grace Auka

Schools from Mt Hagen and Alotau will debut in this year’s Institute of Business Studies (IBS) debate competition, organisers said.

IBS innovation and development manager, Vani Davies said yesterday in Port Moresby the competition was growing in popularity among the nation’s schools.

“Six schools each from Milne Bay and Western Highlands are expected to boost the total number of schools competing this year to a record 68,” Davies said.

Last year, 56 schools, mostly from the NCD, Lae, Kokopo and Enga, took part.

Kokopo’s Vunabosco Technical School, East New Britain, represented by twin brothers Joshua and Edward Pa’ak, won last year’s competition.

“Last year’s competition was fantastic and a great experience for us. It helped us to build confidence,” Edward Pa’ak said.

Joshua Pa’ak said much had been taught by their teachers about public speaking but “the competition gave us the opportunity to speak confidently and broaden our knowledge on topical issues that were discussed during the debate competition”.

The competition will again be sponsored by Air Niugini which had supported it for the past four years.

Air Niugini acting general manager-commercial Dominic Kaumu said the company was pleased to be partnering with IBS in investing in the future leaders of Papua New Guinea.

“Making a difference in the young minds of Papua New Guineans is vital when it comes to such debate competitions,” Kaumu said.

Via – The National.