The International Schools Speech & Debate League (ISSDL) is an initiative of Debate Institute Africa (DIA). It was created to give international school students a structured platform to develop oratory, debating, storytelling, and persuasive communication skills. The guiding philosophy is that oratory empowers young people to influence, inspire, and lead societal change.
🎯 Vision, Mission & Objectives
- Vision: To create a generation of articulate, confident, and socially responsible leaders with strong oratory and critical thinking skills.
- Mission: To provide an inclusive platform where students can showcase and improve through competitions, workshops, and mentorship.
- Objectives include:
- Enhancing public speaking and debating skills.
- Promoting critical engagement with current issues.
- Building networks among schools.
- Fostering leadership and confidence.
- Opening pathways to national and international competitions.
🏆 Structure of the League
- Divisions:
- Junior (10–14 years)
- Senior (15–18 years)
- Tracks:
- Debates: World Schools Debate Format (assigned and impromptu motions).
- Public Speaking: Includes monologues, storytelling, eulogies, snap speeches, and Taskmaster’s Challenge.
- Seasons: Two per academic year, each with workshops, mentorship, and competitions.
- Senior Division:
- Parents should not choose their children’s careers.
- Public universities should prioritize courses addressing national development.
- Generative AI should be used for self-medication (Finals).
- Junior Division:
- Every school should have a Children’s Day run by kids.
- School trips should be free.
- Education should receive the largest share of the national budget (Finals).
🎤 Public Speaking Rounds
- Steve Jobs Challenge – Pitch a product to African billionaires.
- Snap Speech – 3 minutes on a surprise topic with 1 minute prep.
- Taskmaster’s Challenge – Convince community to plant a tree every month.
- Heartfelt Monologue – Inspire kindness through a personal story.
🏅 Awards & Recognition
- Team Awards: League Champion, Best School, Runner-ups.
- Individual Awards: Best Speaker (Junior & Senior), Most Improved Speaker, Best Debater, Impact Communicator.
- Every participant: Certificates, trophies, possible scholarships, and access to international competitions.
đź’µ Payment Details
- Each school delegation: 12 students (6 debaters + 6 speakers, split junior/senior), with a patron/teacher.
- Fees: UGX 100,000 per student; UGX 80,000 per observer.
- Payment Deadline: 20th September 2025 via Mobile Money.
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