Arab American University debate team won first place at the first stage of Palestinian Universities Debate Championship. The competing universities teams were An-Najah University, Birzeit, Bethlehem and Arab American. It was organized and sponsored by Afkar organization for cultural and educational development.
University winning team in debate
Arab American University student team included Salsabeel Nawahda, Shahd Omari and Hasan Abu-Dokhan.
There were two controversial debates. Both Arab American University and Birzeit debated on “This board believes that the State shouldn’t have a formal role in media”, while both Bethlehem University and An-Najah debated on “This board believes that social security shouldn’t depend on individual’s income”.
The debates were truly great, dominated with respect of others opinions and culture difference instead of the traditional debate styles in Arab world, these for a change depended on proofs, arguments and evidences and using their mental and analytical skills to refute the opponents’ arguments. The audience interaction contributed to launch many questions to the panelists which contributed to embodiment the participatory approach between the audience and panelists
Activities coordinator at Arab American University Student Affairs Deanship Juana Al-Hafi congratulated the university team on winning first place in the debate. She focused on students’ participation importance in such extracurricular activities to empower the art and culture of dialogue and debate to respect different opinions. Also she said that student affairs are always available for encourage and support students in all cultural and intellectual activities.
Arab American University team was thrilled to win first place: “Thanks to university’s interest, encouragement and continuous training. We assure you that joining the debates stands to present positive image for us as students’ community and for our university. Also to show our ability to analysis, think and constructive criticism because such activities requires search, review and good read of the subject, laws and studies.”
By the end of competitions, general manager of Afkar foundation Dr. Awdeh Zahran announced the results, where Arab American University team ranked first and An-Najah National University team finished second.
