Date: 22 Apr 2026
The School Debate Competition held in Sanma Province from 14th to 15th April 2026, has strengthened efforts to foster youth civic engagement in Vanuatu on issues of national development.
Organised in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Port Vila, Balance of Power (BOP) and Titan FX, the event builds on pilot debate initiatives first introduced in Port Vila in 2023. The program has since gained momentum through partnerships including with the Department of Communication and Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Climate Change and builds on earlier debate work initiated through the Pacific Institute of Public Policy.
BOP has played a facilitative role, working with participating schools to strengthen student preparation. BOP Vanuatu Program Officer, Telstar Jimmy, said students receive targeted support sessions with subject experts to build their knowledge and confidence ahead of competitions.
“We work closely with our partners to ensure students are well prepared. This includes providing support to schools and running information sessions where we bring in experts to give background on debate topics. It helps students strengthen their research and learn directly from people working in these fields,” she said.
BOP also supports with selection of debate themes, with the objective of promoting critical thinking and questioning the status quo, including topics such as: ‘Global political leadership cannot be effective when men and women are not equally represented’.
The initiative also builds on BOP’s earlier collaboration with the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation and engagement with the Shefa Principals’ Association, which has encouraged schools such as Central School, Port Vila International School and Malapoa College to establish debate clubs and integrate debating into school activities.
Five schools participated in the Sanma competition: Lycée de Luganville, Santo East Junior Secondary School, Lycée de St Michel, Aore Adventist Academy, and Bombua Secondary School. For the first time ever, and in response to requests from Sanma French schools, with support from the Language Services Department under the Prime Minister’s Office, separate debate competitions were successfully held for French and English schools. This marks an important step in promoting inclusive participation and celebrating linguistic diversity in our education system.
Lycee de Luganville won the French category and Santo East Junior Secondary School took the English category.
Prizes sponsored by Members of Parliament, Honourable Mark Ati and Honourable Robson Iavro were also awarded to these outstanding debaters:
- Overall oustanding debater: Winnie James (Santo East School)
- Outstanding debater (English) – Sauna Rihu (Santo East School)
- Outstanding debater runner-up (Engish) – Lucianna Garae (Bombua School)
- Oustanding debater (French) – Delyiah Bani (Lycée de Luganville)
- Oustanding debater runner-up (French) – Euphrasie-Hadasha Michael (Lycée de Luganville)
Santo East Junior Secondary School Principal, Reginald Garoleo, said debate plays an important role in developing leadership skills among students.
“It is a foundation for developing future leaders, and I can see students showing significant growth in confidence and communication skills through their participation in the debates,” Garoleo said.
The program aligns with national priorities to strengthen civic engagement, promote inclusive leadership, and increase participation in decision-making, including efforts to advance gender equality and women’s leadership. It also supports education sector goals by strengthening students’ research, analytical, and communication skills while encouraging engagement with national issues.
The debate initiative is continuing to expand as a platform for youth participation and leadership development in Vanuatu.