By: Saidu Jalloh
The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has officially launched its inaugural Secondary School Debate Championship, a national initiative designed to promote justice, the rule of law, and civic education among secondary school students across Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Basita Michael, Founder and Executive Director of ILRAJ, described the competition as a platform to cultivate analytical thinking, public speaking, and civic engagement among young learners.
Ms. Michael explained that the championship is part of ILRAJ’s broader mission as an independent, non-partisan public policy research and educational think tank dedicated to advancing human rights, legal empowerment, and democratic values.
“This Championship is not just an academic exercise it is about ideas that can shape our future,” she stated. “It is about learning to think critically, speak boldly, and defend what is right with respect and reason.”
She emphasized that the debate brings together 20 secondary schools from both the Western Area Urban and Rural regions, creating a national platform that encourages youth participation in democratic discourse and equips them with essential life skills, such as critical reasoning, persuasive communication, and respectful dialogue.
Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ms. Michael reminded participants that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” underscoring the theme of the competition “Justice, Rule of Law, and Civic Education.”
She further noted that justice teaches fairness, the rule of law instills discipline, and civic education inspires citizens to play active roles in national development.
“At a time when our society faces many challenges when values are being tested and civic awareness is fading it becomes essential to remind ourselves that our nation’s progress depends not only on laws written in books, but on citizens who understand, respect, and live by them,” Ms. Michael stressed.
As the leading sponsor of the competition, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and educational empowerment. Speaking at the event, Salieu Sesay, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Sierra Leone, stated that the bank strongly believes in nurturing young minds and encouraging critical thinking by providing platforms for young people to express themselves. He emphasized that the debate competition reflects UBA’s core values of empowerment and innovation.
Mr. Sesay disclosed that UBA annually organizes nationwide essay competitions for secondary school students, providing them with opportunities to demonstrate creativity and academic excellence. “We will be launching the fifth edition this October, and winners of that competition will become Ambassadors of Excellence,” he revealed.
He further commended ILRAJ for what he described as an inspiring initiative that creates a meaningful space for young people to share their ideas and engage constructively. Mr. Sesay also encouraged students attending the debate to open accounts with UBA, assuring them that the bank will continue to support programs that empower and inspire Sierra Leone’s next generation of leaders.
Meanwhile, Edna Hannah Mansaray, a student of Methodist Girls’ High School and winner of the ILRAJ High School Debate Championship, expressed her gratitude and joy over her victory. She disclosed that she had been debating for a long time, winning four out of five competitions she had participated in, but described the ILRAJ debate as both special and emotional.
“This week has been hectic and long because I lost a friend who was supposed to be here with me,” Edna said, her voice filled with emotion. “She was supportive and appreciative of every opportunity Methodist Girls’ High School had.”
Edna further stated that she aims to become the best debater in Sierra Leone and possibly across the continent within the next two to three years.
Similarly, Danisha Conteh, a student of Saint Joseph’s Convent Senior Secondary School and runner-up of the competition, said she was overwhelmed with pride to have been part of the first ILRAJ High School Debate Championship. She acknowledged that while every debater aspires to win first place, she felt honored to participate in such a prestigious event. Danisha also revealed her ambition to pursue a career in law and to win more debate competitions both in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Ms. Michael concluded by declaring the ILRAJ Secondary School Debate Championship officially open, expressing hope that the competition would be “lively, enlightening, and worthy of the noble ideals it seeks to promote.”
