15 African Schools, Including One from Rwanda, to engage in debate forums at Wisdom School
Wisdom School, located in Musanze District, recently hosted 415 students from Kenya including 145 Rwandans from various Wisdom School branches. These students gathered for debate sessions aimed at helping them understand Africa’s challenges from a young age and preparing them to be responsible and visionary future leaders.
Through various discussion topics, the students expressed that these debates would strengthen African unity (Pan-Africanism) and help preserve the continent’s integrity while also promoting sustainable development. They believe this initiative can help resolve the continent’s recurring conflicts, often fueled by foreign interests.
Topazi Honore Itangirubuntu, a senior six student at Wisdom School, highlighted the value of the debate sessions:
“First of all, I’ve learned many things from these debates, including how to lead discussions, speak in public, respond quickly and effectively, and improve my English language skills overall.
We talked about the key issues facing our continent, but with a focus on proposing solutions. This prepares us from a young age to understand what needs to be done so that when we become leaders, we don’t start from scratch—we’ll already have insight into the problems and how to address them.”
Tselot Mesfin from Kenya emphasized that such debates should encourage young Africans to love their continent and shift their mindset from always seeking visas to go abroad.
“What I think about these debates is that they should inspire African countries to adopt a Free Visa policy among themselves and focus more on building our own continent and solving our own issues, rather than longing to go overseas.
As the saying goes, ‘Charity begins at home.’ These conversations are essential for us, the future leaders.”
Ricky Armani from Kasaran Group of Schools also praised Rwandan students for their excellent spoken English, seeing it as a positive sign for the continent’s future.
Wisdom School’s Director, Ellie Nduwayesu, explained the purpose behind organizing these debates, emphasizing the importance of early leadership development:
“Our goal is to help students understand Africa’s challenges while they are still young. If a child can explain an issue and share their ideas, it means we’re preparing them to be effective leaders.
We believe these debates will build their confidence and encourage them to contribute meaningfully to their countries and the continent at large.”
He noted that although Africa has long faced numerous issues, the time has come to solve them by equipping the youth through English-language debates, allowing them to learn, articulate, listen, respond, and think critically.
Following the debates held on April 6, 2025, another round of debates is scheduled for August 2025 at the same school, bringing together the same 15 African schools with the continuing mission of preparing a better future for the continent and its next generation of leaders.
Wisdom School, with its various campuses, currently educates over 3,000 students in subjects ranging from sciences to languages such as English, French, Chinese and others—broadening their global perspectives.
