Dar es Salaam. Three Tanzanian university students have been named winners of the European Union (EU) Youth Debate Contest, earning a fully sponsored trip to Poland, courtesy of the Embassy of Poland in Tanzania.
Careen Ndika from the University of Dares Salaam emerged as the overall best speaker, while Diana Shabani from Dares Salaam Tumaini University and Kijafaraja Maduhu from the University of Dares Salaam were named runners-up. The three will travel to Poland later this year for an educational and cultural study visit.
An initiative targeting university students in Tanzania, the European Union Youth Debate Contest aimed to foster a positive and constructive debating environment while enhancing critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.
The contest, implemented in partnership with The Chanzo, the Tanzania Competitive Rhetoric Organisation (TCRO), and the EU Youth Sounding Board in Tanzania, focused on contemporary socio-economic issues relevant to Tanzania’s development agenda and encouraged youth to lead impactful discussions.
With a strong online and offline presence, the contest features a Social Media Debate Challenge and Live Debates – see here and here–ensuring broad participation and engagement.
The topic, Having your own business guarantees a more sustainable income than a regular job, sought to explore critical questions about entrepreneurship, job stability, and the relevance of formal education in today’s economy.
Hard work
“Winning this competition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every participant,” said Ms Ndika, reflecting on the significance of the experience. “This contest has shown us the power of structured debate and the impact of well-articulated ideas. I am honoured to be among the winners and look forward to the journey ahead.”
The live debate, held on January 30 and 31, 2025, at the University of Dares Salaam Library Auditorium, gathered 20 finalists to discuss the motion: “Having your own business guarantees a more sustainable income than a regular job.”
The winning team, which opposed the motion, comprised Erick Kaja, Kijafaraja Maduhu, Mary Kibira, Timothy Jeremiah, and Careen Ndika.
Dr Baruani Mshale, Director of Learning and Planning at Twaweza and the contest’s Chief Judge, praised the participants’ strong arguments and historical awareness.
“This debate shattered the myth that Tanzanians cannot communicate effectively,” Dr Mshale said. “The students skillfully connected history with present challenges, demonstrating critical thinking that is crucial for shaping the future.”
400 applicants
The EU Youth Debate Contest 2025 was launched on November 18, 2024, as part of the European Union’s youth engagement efforts to involve young Tanzanians in discussions on socio-economic development.
The competition attracted over 400 applicants, with 100 participants selected for a Social Media Debate Challenge, which ran from December 15 to 30, 2024. Following this phase, the top 20 finalists advanced to the live debate rounds.
Speaking at the event, Christine Grau, the EU Ambassador to Tanzania, emphasised the importance of fostering critical thinking among young people.
“The European Union is proud to support initiatives like this,” Ms Grau said. “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.”
The Polish Embassy, a key partner in the initiative, expressed its commitment to supporting youth development and empowerment in Tanzania.
People-to-people connections
“We believe in building people-to-people connections, as networking often leads to new opportunities,” said Acting Polish Ambassador to Tanzania Katarzyna Sobiecka.
“As the Embassy of Poland, we are delighted to offer the top three winners an educational and cultural trip to Poland this summer,” she added. “We will ensure that their experience is both enjoyable and enriching.”
READ MORE: How Deep Are Tanzania-Polish Relations? Conversation With Deputy Ambassador Katarzyna Sobiecka
The Youth Debate Contest, the first of its kind, organised by the European Union for university students under 25, was attended by representatives from secondary and university students, civil society, academia, media and the private sector.
The contest is set to become an annual event, equipping Tanzanian students with essential skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership.
Here are some of the highlights and reactions from the Live Debates from The Chanzo’s YouTube channel and social media networks:
Tanzania’s University Students Engage in Heated Debate: Employment vs. Self-Employment
EU-Youth Debate Contest Final Tanzania: Watch How These University Students Debate (First Half)
Watch the Moment the Winners of the EU Youth Debate Contest Were Announced – Prize: A Trip to Poland
Why is it important for young people to participate in development debates?
Does owning your business guarantee a more sustainable income than having a regular job?
Watch how these students debate!
University of Dar es Salaam student Careen Ndika won the European Union Youth Debate Contest.
#EUDebateContest: Judges explain how the competition went and its importance for the youth.
