Debate Summer Camp in Rural Cambodia
c/o Jay Pritzker Academy
Last month, Eloquence Academy partnered with the Rural Debate Initiative (RuDI). We hosted an intensive, three-week virtual public speaking and debate camp for 30 high school students at Jay Pritzker Academy (JPA). The program was an extension of our previous Intro to Debate Seminar that we hosted for JPA in October of 2024.
Located in rural Siem Reap, Cambodia, JPA serves 239 talented and motivated students from nearby rice-farming communities, where access to electricity, clean water, and healthcare is often limited. Through the generous philanthropy of Illinois Governor Jay Pritzker, all students attend JPA on a full scholarship. Education, study materials, and uniforms are provided completely free of charge. Additionally, the school supplies each student with notebooks, hygiene kits, and three nutritious meals a day. English is not their first language, but students engage fully in a rigorous academic curriculum (including Advancement Placement classes), demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, and are eager to contribute to Cambodia’s future.
c/o Rural Debate Initiative
Throughout the program, students worked with our team members Aanya Baddela, Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Ryan Li, Arnav Maheshwari, and Andrea Wong as well as Katrina Fuentes, Nick Ingram, and Jared Shirts from RuDI. They formed transnational relationships, strengthened their communication skills, explored real-world issues, and developed confidence in public speaking—all in English. They spent the final three days of the camp participating in live debate rounds with their peers to simulate a real competition environment. Topics ranged from the use of social media among teens to the benefit of school uniform requirements.
Based on responses collected by RuDI through their post-program survey, the results were energizing. 79% of students reported improved confidence in public speaking, 84% said they felt more confident forming arguments and thinking critically, and 95% noted growth in active listening and respectful engagement. As one participant wrote, “this experience has helped boost my confidence quite a bit… constructive feedback helped me express my thoughts and think critically.” In the words of another, “a moment when I surprised myself was when I managed to give a five minute speech within the whole timeframe. Five minutes may not seem like a lot, but when you are speaking it is actually a really long time. I was able to say everything I wanted to say and more, clearly without stuttering. This is completely different from how I was before this program.” The vast majority shared hopes of continuing debate next year.
We are grateful to the JPA and RuDI teams and are proud of what their students accomplished in just three weeks.
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Eloquence Academy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and 509(a)(2) public charity dedicated to increasing equitable academic debate opportunities for rural and historically underserved students. The Academy offers debate classes, summer camps, workshops, tournaments, in-school programs, and online resources for 2,200+ students across 35 states and 15 countries. Ultimately, EA aims to prepare youth for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact through the transferable skills gained from debate. Follow EA on Instagram and YouTube at @eloquenceacademy.
Rural Debate Initiative (RuDI) is a nationally focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free debate education to students in rural areas. Supported by a group of experienced educators and passionate debaters, RuDI programs serve as a one-stop solution for all debate-related resources, providing everything a school needs to build a successful debate program. RuDI champions and leverages the assets unique to rural communities and rural individuals, equipping students with a variety of skills such as communication, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork that prepares them for any educational or career path of their choosing.
