Herald Reporter 

SOLID Rock Group of Schools’ Junior School debate and public speaking team produced a strong showing at a competition in South Africa, where it finished top in public speaking and second in debate at the Primary Schools Debate Championship (PRiDP) in South Africa

The Domboshava-based school said the achievement was a reflection of its emphasis on developing learners beyond the classroom, particularly through communication, leadership and confidence-building activities.

Solid Rock’s current academic programme incorporates debate and public speaking among a range of activities designed to complement formal learning, while the school also offers robotics, technology, sport and other clubs.

The institution’s director, Dr Doreen Makande, spoke about the importance of public speaking in building confidence among young people.

She said the skill was important because it builds confidence in young people, particularly girls.

“We are extremely proud of our Junior School debate and public speaking team for representing Solid Rock Group of Schools with distinction on an international platform,” she said.

“Winning the public speaking category and finishing second in debate demonstrates the confidence, discipline and commitment that our learners and coaches have invested in their preparation.

“At Solid Rock, we believe education must go beyond examination results. Learners need to develop the ability to communicate clearly, think critically, listen to different perspectives and express themselves with confidence.”

Debate and public speaking, she said, provide an important platform for developing these qualities.

She dedicated the win to the learners, their coaches, teachers and parents who continue to support their children.

“We are grateful to our parents for trusting us with their children and for creating an environment in which our learners can pursue opportunities beyond the classroom,” she said.

For the learners, the South African competition provided an opportunity to test their communication and debating skills against peers outside Zimbabwe, while giving the school an opportunity to showcase the development of its junior learners.

The latest success also builds on Solid Rock’s growing investment in public speaking.

Earlier this year, over 100 Solid Rock High School learners graduated from public-speaking training conducted through the School of Public Speaking.