The 4th East Africa Community University students’ debate is scheduled to take place on 7th – 8th September 2015 in Kampala Uganda. The debate is expected to bring together representation from university students, lecturers, academia, policy makers, media, youth leaders and one high school to participate in the event.
The specific objectives of the EAC University Students’ Debate are:
i) To promote continued participation of the youth on issues of the EAC integration;
ii) To encourage networking among university students to enhance regional integration;
iii) To prepare the youth for future leadership roles at regional and international levels as they hold the mantle as Ambassadors of EAC integration in the region; and
iv) To popularize the EAC integration About 65 percent of the population in the EAC region is below the age of 25 and several studies have informed the above assertions, including; The EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform Online Study, Report on youth engagement in the EAC Integration process, and the East African Institute of the Aga Khan University survey to assess the views and perspectives of East Africa’s youth.
These studies demonstrate further the need for youth debate and dialogue to advocate for ethical and accountable leadership to develop positive attitudes and identify and train role models to enhance economic integration.
The 4thEAC University Students’ Debate will focus on values, ethics and leadership which are critical to advancing the broad aims of the EAC integration, with youth as key stakeholders. It is worth noting that these three are vital in molding the choices that youth make by imparting in them the desired morals such as integrity and accountability that are key to an integrated East Africa
PARTICIPATION AND GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION
The East African Community Secretariat will cover transport expenses, accommodation and meals for the participants during the two days event. Six participants will be selected from each of the EAC Partner State, drawn from national universities, public, private and other institutions of higher learning.
The participants will be either on the affirmative or alternative strategy team but the Secretariat reserves the prerogative to ensure that both sides have equitable membership. More information will be submitted to successful candidates in good time to allow for sufficient preparations.
Participation in this debate is limited to students who are in their second year at the university pursuing a degree.
Students who participated in the last three debates need not to apply to give an opportunity to others to take part. Interested applicants with good analytical, communication skills; and a good command of English are encouraged to apply.
Please note that the Debate will be conducted in English.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The debate will also bring together representatives from academia, private sector, civil society, media and technocrats from the East African region who will listen to the debate and make their comments on the strength of the deliberations and make recommendations on the way forward for the debate.
The debate will be streamed live on the EAC website and other social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook will also be used to enable a wide participation of youth across the EAC region. The best debaters will be appointed as EAC Youth Ambassadors 2014/2015 with an obligation to spear head peer-to-peer learning in their respective universities in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat, the East African Legislative Assembly and EAC Ministries in Partner States.
There will be a Gala Dinner where a cash prize will be given to the Best debaters and the winning team. In the spirit of promoting a sense of “Eastafricaness”, it is expected that by the end of the debate, a bond will have been created among the students thereby shaping and nurturing the East African identity among the youth, in the long run. Participants would have been empowered to continue engaging in dialogue on matters of EAC integration.
The EAC University Debate on regional integration provides a pedestal to the youth to participate, dialogue and contribute to policy formulation on issues that constitute the EAC Youth agenda.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants who are interested to participate should apply by submitting the following documents:
1. A 1 page motivation letter explaining why they are interested to participate and indicating which University they come from and the Year of Study and
2. A two-page essay on “The success of EAC integration is premised on accountable leadership and built upon the Community’s core values of integrity, accountability and ethics.” In this essay participants should also identify one leader whom they regard as a role model in East Africa and whose values they would emulate as leaders of tomorrow and explain why? and
3. A two-page Curriculum Vitae, a copy of their national ID or Passport and their University Identity Card. The documents should have a front of size of 12, bookman old style with single line spacing and sent as one attachment.
Please send your applications to – EAC Secretariat on Email: eac@eachq.org and copy Ms. Barbara Kaboha, Program Assistant, EAC-Nyerere Centre for Peace Research, on email – BKaboha@eachq.org.The applications should reach EAC not later than 17thAugust, 2015 at 5:00pm East African time.
Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.
