Careen Ndika, a student from the University of Dar es Salaam, emerged as the winner of the European Union Youth Debate Contest, which featured 20 finalists who advanced to the semi-finals and finals held on January 30 and 31, 2025, at the University of Dar es Salaam’s new library.
Diana Abdi from Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (DarTU) secured second place, while Kijafaraja Maduhu, also from the University of Dar es Salaam, took third. The three winners were awarded a fully funded trip to Poland by the Embassy of Poland.
“Winning this competition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every participant,” said Ms. Ndika after the final. “This contest has shown us the power of structured debate and the impact of well-articulated ideas. I am honored to be among the winners and look forward to the journey ahead,” she added.
Funded by the European Union, the debate aims to increase Tanzanian youth participation in socio-economic development discussions. The competition opened on November 18, 2024, inviting university and college students aged 18 to 25 to apply. It attracted over 400 applicants.
The second stage was a social media debate challenge, which ran from December 15 to 30, 2024, involving 100 participants. After a careful review of the submitted materials, 20 finalists were selected.
The finalists represented multiple institutions: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (5), University of Dar es Salaam (5), St. Augustine University of Tanzania (2), Ardhi University (2), Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (1), The Eastern Africa Statistical Training Centre (1), University of Dodoma (1), Mbeya University of Science and Technology (1), Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (1), and Mzumbe University (1).During the semi-finals, the 20 finalists were divided into four teams—Blue, Yellow, Green, and Red—and debated the motion: “Having your own business guarantees a more sustainable income than a regular job.”
The panel of judges included Chief Judge Dr. Baruani Mshale, Director of Learning and Planning at Twaweza; Zena Msonde, CEO of Hashtech Tanzania; Ibrahim Nzutu, Head of Business Advisory at NBC Bank; Dominic Mwakifulefule, Executive Director of the Tanzania Competitive Rhetoric Organization; and Dr. Winnie Nguni, Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Tanzania H.E. Christine Grau emphasized the importance of fostering critical thinking among young people.
“The European Union is proud to support initiatives like this. Young people form the majority in Tanzania and globally, and we are impressed by their talent and fresh ideas. We hope to make this an annual event, reaching even more students and fostering a culture of debate in Tanzania.”
In the semi-finals, the Yellow and Red teams advanced to the finals. The Yellow team, which supported the motion, included Diana Shabani (Dar es Salaam Tumaini University), Twaha Mruma (St. Augustine University of Tanzania), Jackline Malavanu (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences—MUHAS), Julius Kanyamuka (MUHAS), and Dinales Mdollo (University of Dar es Salaam—UDSM). The Red team, which opposed the motion, consisted of Erick Kaja (MUHAS), Kijafaraja Maduhu (UDSM), Mary Kibira (UDSM), Timothy Jeremiah (MUHAS), and Careen Ndika (UDSM).
In the final round, the Red team emerged victorious. Participants were ranked individually by the judges, resulting in the selection of the top ten debaters: Careen Ndika (UDSM), Diana Abdi (DarTU), Kijafaraja Maduhu (UDSM), Timothy Jeremiah (MUHAS), Eric G. Mwanjali (Ardhi University), Jackline Malavanu (MUHAS), Priscilla Mathias (Tanzania Institute of Accountancy), Twaha Mruma (SAUT), Mahuvi Kavenuke (SAUT), and Mayness Ruta (UDSM).
The Deputy Ambassador of Poland, who attended the debate from the semi-finals onward, expressed her admiration for the speakers’ clear, logical, and structured arguments.
“We believe in building people-to-people connections, as networking often leads to new opportunities. As the Embassy of Poland, we are delighted to offer the top three winners an educational and cultural trip to Poland this summer,” said Acting Polish Ambassador to Tanzania Katarzyna Sobiecka. “We will ensure that their experience is both enjoyable and enriching.”
In addition to the grand prize, each semi-finalist received €50. The winning team members were awarded €300 each, while the runner-up team members received €200 each.
The Chanzo was part of the organizing committee of the debate alongside the Tanzania Competitive Rhetoric Organisation and the EU Youth Sounding Board in Tanzania.
