In-School Debate Program in Rural Somaliland
c/o Kaabe Schools
Last month, Eloquence Academy partnered with the Rural Debate Initiative (RuDI). We hosted an Intro to Debate Seminar for 30 middle school students at Kaabe Schools in rural Somaliland. The program was an extension of our previous Intro to Debate Seminars at North East Middle School, Jay Pritzker Academy, Sonora Elementary School, Middlebury College, Tomales High School, Trinidad Union School, and the broader RuDI network.
It has been over three decades since a brutal war and the collapse of the Republic of Somalia, out of which came the unrecognized Republic of Somaliland. There is a desperate need to rebuild infrastructure, extend educational opportunities, and develop the leaders of tomorrow. Founded in 2019, the Kaabe Schools are a scaling system of schools across Somaliland dedicated to student-centered, community-oriented, and inclusive learning for all Somalilanders. They are supported by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Horn of Africa Education Development Fund, staffed with Barwaqqo-trained teachers, and managed by graduates who returned from top universities abroad. Rooted in Islamic values, the school integrates both secular and religious studies. Students as young as three learn through a Montessori approach and a comprehensive curriculum that combines national education standards, English immersion, and Islamic teachings, including Quran, Hadith, and Arabic language.
c/o Rural Debate Initiative
Our Intro to Debate Seminars are scheduled during a school’s grade-wide assembly or town hall period with attendance required from all students. Each seminar begins with icebreakers and a short keynote about the positive impacts of debate, both anecdotal and statistical. Following the keynote, students are placed into breakout rooms and guided through their first debate round. Subsequently, all students complete a form to indicate interest in a consistent in-school coaching program. Even if some students find out debate is not for them, they see what a fun experience it is to speak and be heard.
Fluent and intermediate English speakers worked with our team members Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Sowmiya Deventhira-Raja, and Alek Ding. They formed transnational relationships, strengthened their communication skills, and developed an enthusiasm for public speaking — all in English. Topics ranged from whether books or movies are more educational to the best ice cream flavor. Over the next five weeks, Alek will host weekly coachings in Policy Debate.
We are especially excited to partner with Kaabe Schools as part of our ongoing international expansion and commitment to supporting rural debate.
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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 2,500+ students across 35 states and 17 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.
