Young Students Battle in Prestigious Stormont Debating Final
Pupils from a Co Armagh and Belfast primary school went head to head on Wednesday competing against each other in a prestigious debating final at Stormont.
St Malachy’s Primary School vs Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain
St Malachy’s Primary School, Camlough, near Newry and Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain in north Belfast were in the running to be crowned debating champions in the final of the Concern Worldwide primary debates. Both schools faced each other in the Long Gallery at Stormont to debate whether cities are essential to tackling climate change.
Empowering Young Minds
Students from the two schools have emerged as the top contenders from 240 pupils who participated in the primary school debates programme across Northern Ireland, organised by international development organisation Concern Worldwide. The Concern Worldwide Primary Debates Programme is an all-island initiative that last year saw 250 schools from across Ireland take part. The programme provides students with invaluable opportunities to develop their public speaking and presentation skills, building confidence as they speak in front of their peers. The debates also give students a deeper understanding of the global issues that affect millions of people worldwide, helping to shape the next generation of compassionate, informed citizens.
Inspiring the Future
Amelia Deehan, NI Schools and Debates Officer at Concern Worldwide, said: “What’s truly amazing is that both schools are new to the programme this year, a testament to the incredible young global citizens we are nurturing in this part of the world. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to voice their thoughts on issues that are important to them. Engaging in debates on real-world topics like climate change allows pupils to not only develop essential skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the challenges our world faces. It’s inspiring to see these students becoming more informed and passionate about the global issues that will shape their future,” she added.
Winners Revealed
After long deliberations, Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain emerged as the winners, celebrated for their thoughtful arguments and impressive presentation skills.