Amani Clubs Kenya national organising secretary Kennedy Kunani has appealed to the government and well-wishers to help raise funds to enable Kenyan schools to attend the Pan Africa debate championship.
The event will be held in South Africa from December 12-18.
At least 50 secondary school students from the Amani club are expected to travel for the championship.
Speaking to the Star, Kunani said schools are experiencing financial constraints to sponsor students to the event.
He said the event does not fall under the school activities supported by the ministry, unlike other curriculum activities.
This, he said, makes it hard to get funding.
After a successful East Africa tournament held in Tanzania during the inaugural Mwalimu Nyerere Schools debate championship, St Thomas Girls High School in Kilifi emerged victorious.
They will be joined by Kadzonzo Secondary, Mukumu Boys, St Monica Chakol, Sigalame Boys, and Ribe Boys in representing Kenya.
The Amani Clubs Kenya which was formed by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Education aims at promoting peaceful co-existence, good relations and harmony among students, neighbouring communities and between schools.
It also empowers learners to deal with life’s challenges peacefully, use alternative dispute resolution, and enhance good character and discipline.
Several schools have joined the Amani Club since its establishment in 2016.
They engage in different activities including environmental management, essay writing, sports and debates.
The schools will participate in the Junior debate category.
Kunani has high hopes they will perform better than in Tanzania.
Other challenges include the delay in getting permission from the Ministry of Education to allow for travel arrangements, and acquiring visas and bookings.
Despite the challenges, Kunani has expressed confidence they will be able to travel and represent the country.
