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- Progamme in Final Year; Changes Lives Forever

April 22, 2010 - The Scotiabank 2009-2010 National Primary Schools HIV and AIDS Debating Competition has been an exciting series of debates since it kicked off on February 9, 2010. Now at the regional championship stage, the competition has been showcasing a cadre of highly intelligent, knowledgeable and eloquent student speakers. There is a strong indication of how far the students’ presentation skills have developed, the achievements made in improving their research and time management skills and the advancements that have been made in growing self confidence and self esteem.

In keeping with the history of the debates, rural schools have been among the top performing schools in the competition. Some of the most outstanding performers in the competition this year have been Kilsyth Primary from Clarendon, Christiana Leased Primary from Manchester, Boundbrook Primary from Portland and Anchovy Primary from Montego Bay.

The clash of the titans in Kingston and St Andrew featured Lannaman’s and Ardenne Preparatory schools facing off to debate the moot “Government has spent enough resources on HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment. It is now the family's responsibility to care for members who become infected with the virus or disease.” Lannaman trumped Ardenne in the final stages at the rebuttals and won by 24 points when the dust settled. Tariq Thompson who was the third speaker from Lannaman’s also came out on top as the best speaker.

Launched in 2006, the Speak Up! Speak Out! Education Programme has impacted over 600 primary school aged children by actively engaging them in debates to build their awareness on HIV and AIDS and help them make healthy lifestyle choices. The programme has also targeted parents and the extended communities with parenting seminars, community road-shows, a performing arts component and two summer camps. Shemeek Henry, leader of the Wilmington Primary debating team which won the competition last year shares the impact of the programme on her. “I sometimes feel like a literature book as everyone asks me everything about HIV and AIDS my community looks up to me and I now have greater influence over my peers and elders”

Looking back at the past three years, Scotiabank’s manager for Corporate Social Responsibility Debbie Clue, said that “the programme was initiated to demonstrate our commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS while promoting health, education and youth issues simultaneously. The positive impact has been spoken about at great lengths by teachers, parents who witness the talent which has been unearthed and the growth that the students experience. We are confident that these social and academic skills will go a far way in preparing these students for life; long after the competition has ended.” She added that special commendations are in order for the teachers who have invested time and effort in coaching and preparing the students for each debate.

The grand final of the debates is scheduled for May 29 and will see the final two top teams debating the moot “the formal school system is not a suitable setting for students infected and affected with HIV”. The Speak Up speak Out education programme has been endorsed by the Ministry of Health, JCDC and the Ministry of Education.