The Methodist Girls High School has made history by winning the first-ever Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) Secondary School Debate Championship, a national initiative designed to foster justice, rule of law, and civic education among secondary school pupils across Sierra Leone.
The maiden edition of the competition, organized by ILRAJ, brought together twenty (20) schools from both Western Area Urban and Rural districts, providing a platform for students to demonstrate intellectual excellence, critical reasoning, and persuasive communication on issues that shape national development.
In her opening remarks, Basita Michael, Founder and Executive Director of ILRAJ, said the championship was more than just an academic contest it was a space to inspire civic-mindedness, leadership, and social responsibility among young people.
“This Championship is not just an academic exercise it is about ideas that can shape our future,” Ms. Michael stated. “It is about learning to think critically, speak boldly, and defend what is right with respect and reason.”
Ms. Michael emphasized that the initiative forms part of ILRAJ’s broader mission as a non-partisan policy research and educational think tank committed to advancing human rights, legal empowerment, and democratic values.
Quoting the renowned civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she reminded participants that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” She said the competition’s theme, “Justice, Rule of Law, and Civic Education,” reflects ILRAJ’s goal of nurturing citizens who not only understand their rights but also respect the rule of law and uphold fairness in society.
“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,” she added.
As the leading sponsor, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people through education and innovation. Speaking at the ceremony, Salieu Sesay, UBA Sierra Leone’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, described the initiative as “a brilliant step toward building a generation of confident and informed youth.”
“UBA strongly believes in nurturing young minds and encouraging critical thinking by providing platforms for young people to express themselves,” he said. “This debate competition reflects our core values of empowerment and innovation.”
Mr. Sesay also disclosed that UBA will soon launch the fifth edition of its national essay competition for secondary school students, adding that winners will be crowned “Ambassadors of Excellence.” He commended ILRAJ for organizing what he called “a meaningful and visionary event” and encouraged students to take advantage of similar opportunities to develop their leadership potential.
The climax of the event saw Methodist Girls High School crowned the overall winner of the ILRAJ Debate Championship, with Saint Joseph’s Convent Senior Secondary School emerging as runner-up after a series of thought-provoking rounds.
The individual championship title went to Edna Hannah Mansaray, a student of Methodist Girls High School, who delivered a captivating and emotional performance that earned her high praise from judges and the audience alike.
Having won four of the five debate competitions she has entered, Edna said this victory felt particularly special, adding that she hopes to become one of the best debaters in Sierra Leone and eventually across Africa.
The runner-up, Danisha Conteh of Saint Joseph’s Convent, expressed gratitude and pride for her performance, noting that although she did not win first place, participating in such a prestigious event was an honour.
“Every debater dreams of winning, but I am proud to have been part of this inspiring competition. I plan to pursue a career in law and continue representing my school and country in future debates,” she said.
