Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
LEARNERS at North West High School in Harare flew the country’s flag after excelling at the 2025 Pan-African High Schools Debate Competitions in Nairobi, Kenya, this week.
The school team showcased its talent on the continental stage, earning multiple top honours along with a certificate of participation that praised their skills in critical thinking and public speaking.
The school secured first place in the Model United Nations category and finished as second best team in public speaking.
In an interview at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport upon arrival back home on Thursday, Cheryl Makumbe, who was crowned the Best Delegate in the MUN category, acknowledged the intensity of the competition.
She noted that every participant had a distinct approach.
“It was a very tough competition because everyone’s way of presenting was unique,” she said.
“I guess our presentation was the best because we ended up winning.”
Makumbe stressed the value of authenticity, sharing that she has appreciated the importance of remaining true to herself. She observed that competitors who relied on forced or unnatural speaking styles often lost points.
Another learner, Munashe Ndoro, who contributed to the team’s second place finish in public speaking, described the competition as a transformative experience.
He said his time in Kenya exposed him to new methods and techniques he had never encountered before.
“Kenya was a new land for me, especially in terms of competition. Many techniques were used that I had never seen before,” he said.
Ndoro emphasised that the true value of competing lies in the knowledge gained rather than the trophies.
