DEBATING ECONOMICS

"Debating Economics" is a three-year program implemented by Junior Achievement of Albania in 80 high schools, one in every 61 municipalities and 12 universities in Albania, such as in Tirana, Elbasan, Vlorë, Shkodër, Durrës and Korçë. The project aims to build a culture of debate among young people in Albania, encouraging critical thinking, creative problem solving, research and argumentation on economic policy issues, public speaking skills, freedom of speech and leadership in Albania.

The "Debating Economics" program, among its implementation, introduces Albanian youth to the international stage of the debate program, offers a contribution to the continuous education of civic and democratic values and practices and to the creation of a healthy leadership culture in the country.

Debate as a lifelong learning process offers young leaders and other community members the opportunity to examine issues that affect their lives and their communities; to create broad and inclusive debating clubs that encourage the participation of all interested young students, promote, organize and support their activity throughout the academic year and beyond. Debate as an alternative form of education can take place in many formats that will engage students to understand policy processes, understand how they can contribute and seek better solutions for their communities. This program trains and empowers students to enjoy and take control of their education.

Students participating in the "Debating Economics" program are provided with a package of five training modules, as follows:

How to start a debate club

The ability to engage students in clubs (High School Clubs and Varsity Clubs) who along with their coaching members prepare for tournaments and serve the wider school community.

Critical thinking, research, and academic writing: The ability to analyze, read, and think critically about topics of interest to research and evidence from trusted sources and more.

Team building

The necessary knowledge and relevant skills to engage in successful teamwork through debating activities and beyond.

Ethics, Communication and Community Engagement

Ability to demonstrate beliefs, values, attitudes, and skills that enable effective service to each student. Cooperation with the community, partners, government and NGOs.

Leadership

Necessary knowledge and relevant skills to assess and self-assess healthy leadership skills and manifestation.

In addition to the training modules, students and other participants in the program, throughout Albania, have the opportunity to attend several debate tournaments among themselves, as provided for in the debate tournaments calendar of the "Debate Economics" program. Furthermore, this program enhances the debating skills of the participants, preparing them to be potential successful debaters in the international debate arena.

"Debating Economics" is a program implemented, also with the support of the Ministry of Education, Regional Educational Directorates, Partner Universities and secondary schools registered throughout Albania.

PARTNER UNIVERSITIES