by Taylor Bryant
Nearly 300 faculty, staff, students and community members attended the public debate, UWG Debate versus iDebate Rwanda. The event, hosted by the University of West Georgia Honors College, was held on Thursday, October 9, 2014, in the Campus Center Ballroom. Following the debate, the Rwandan debate team engaged in a detailed question and answer session about Rwanda, post genocide. To view the full debate, visit http://youtu.be/Sx5X-fEpyCQ.
Left to right: Bryan Manzi, Kassy Irebe, Dr. Michael Hester, Dadi Niwejye, Christine Teta, Jean Michel Habineza (founder), Ivan Magwene
“It was a fantastic evening, a unique showcase of the intellectual and rhetorical capabilities of UWG students and the international impact of UWG Debate,” said Dr. Michael Hester, dean of the Honors College and Transdisciplinary Programs and director of debate. “The Rwandan national team are tremendous ambassadors for their country, exemplifying the power of debate and argumentation to transform lives and nations.”
iDebate Rwanda is a local non-governmental organization in Rwanda, working to teach students the power of debate and free speech in a post genocide country. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the genocide. In its remembrance, iDebate Rwanda is on a two-month long debate tour in the United States.
The visiting team included five debaters: Kassy Irebe, Ivan Magwene, Bryan Manzi, Dadi Niwejye and Christine Teta. The students range from 14 to 26 years old. Jean Michel Habineza, founder and international coordinator of iDebate Rwanda, accompanied the debaters.
“Our visit to UWG was a wonderful experience,” said Jean Michel. “We had the chance to experience Southern hospitality from the UWG Honors College and a lot of love from the UWG campus. UWG has definitely set the bar for all other venues.”
The debate’s resolution was “On balance, foreign aid does more harm than good.” UWG debaters, Monique Hyman and Osayame Gaius-Obaseki debated the affirmative against Kassy and Ivan. Following the debate, Dr. Hester was so impressed, he offered 14-year-old Kassy a debate scholarship to UWG.
“I was so surprised,” said Kassy. “I thought I was going to faint. All in all, the first stop (UWG) was certainly worth it. I think that the university is a beautiful place, and I am very thankful for Dr. Hester.”
UWG was the first stop on the tour of more than 20 U.S. colleges and universities. UWG is the only school in Georgia and the southeast region to gain a visit from the international team. Other tour stops include Harvard University, Wake Forest University and New York University.
“The Honors College is proud to have hosted an intercultural activity attended by more than two hundred and fifty people,” said Dr. Hester. “Witnessing our students engage in thoughtful conversation about politics, international affairs and how education can prevent ethnic conflict, it is clear that events of this caliber can help UWG achieve its vision of being the best place to work, learn and succeed.”
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