Youth Ignite a Movement: Juba’s Schools Spark Change at Debate Competition

By Denilson Deneki

In a powerful display of defiance and ambition, Juba Day Secondary School became the epicenter of a transformative event on March 25, as students from four local secondary schools gathered for the much-anticipated Inter-School Debate Competition. Initially postponed due to a searing heatwave, the debates ultimately proved to be a revelatory platform for youth advocacy and empowerment.

The atmosphere crackled with enthusiasm as students and attendees filled the venue—ministry officials, health alliance partners, and an eager audience composed of fellow students from Juba Day, Juba Diocesan Model, Martyrs Memorial, and Bright Boma secondary schools.

Emmanuel Changun, a program specialist focusing on gender and social norms at UNFPA South Sudan, set the tone for the day with his stirring words. “It’s an honor to be here,” he declared, his powerful voice cutting through the humid air. “This isn’t just a debate; it’s a battle cry—for empowering women and girls, for tearing down barriers, for building a healthier tomorrow.” The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, affirming that these young debaters were ready to rise to the occasion.

The global theme of the event—‘Rights. Equality. Empowerment’—resonated deeply in South Sudan, where only 37% of girls progress to secondary school according to UNESCO statistics. Barriers such as poverty, early marriage, and a deeply entrenched culture of gender inequality often stifle dreams. Compounding the crisis, UN reports indicate that over half of women in the country experience gender-based violence in their lifetimes. For the participants, these challenges are not mere statistics; they are personal stories that fuel their passion and resolve.

The debates were nothing short of electrifying. A 16-year-old from Martyrs Memorial passionately argued that education is not a privilege but a powerful tool for dismantling inequality. Across the hall, a Bright Boma student challenged her peers by articulating the stifling impact of stereotypes on progress. Teams from Juba Day and Juba Diocesan Model took on the topic of safety, emphasizing that merely securing physical spaces is insufficient without addressing damaging cultural traditions.

These heartfelt and often raw exchanges transformed the debate hall into a battleground of ideas—a space where young minds fervently articulated their visions for a more equitable society.

Changun observed the students with pride, embodying the role of a coach watching their team excel. “You’re the change,” he reminded them, eliciting a fervent response that echoed throughout the hall.

Backed by UNFPA, the event underscored a critical message: South Sudan’s youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—they are active participants in shaping their society today. The Shabab Le Shabab Health Alliance, a local initiative advocating for youth-led health and equity, meticulously organized this event, transforming it from a postponed occasion into a vibrant movement.

As the final gavel fell, it became clear that the impact of the debates extended far beyond the walls of Juba Day Secondary School. Stereotypes had been challenged, and solutions demanded. The conversations sparked here were poised to continue, with a girl from Juba Diocesan Model taking notes for an upcoming speech to her village elders and a boy from Bright Boma pledging to educate his sisters on what he had learned.

What transpired that day was not merely an event; it was a burgeoning movement, a testament to the resilience and determination of South Sudan’s youth. While the country wrestles with the scars of war, scarce resources, and deep-rooted traditions, that room filled with passionate voices marked a pivotal moment.

The youth of Juba are no longer waiting for permission or assistance. They are debating, dreaming, and taking action. If the events of March 25 serve as an indicator, the future of South Sudan is in hands that are fierce, capable, and ready to lead.