Debate about the most hotly-contended presidential election in Tanzania’s history didn’t just come from those old enough to vote.

Our Upper Primary English department hosted the final of its three annual school debates, with the rousing subject of ‘Who Would Make the Best Tanzanian President?’.

The debate prompted students to educate themselves on Tanzanian politics and reflect on national policy and the qualities of good leadership.

Developing leaders: Mr Edmund, head of St Jude's upper primary English department, stresses the importance of being informed about issues.
Developing leaders: Mr Edmund, head of St Jude's upper primary English department, stresses the importance of being informed about issues.

In a country that has been ruled by the CCM party for the past 54 years, rival CHADEMA has proven to be a rare, worthy opponent to contest the current Government.

/Hands held high, in either the form of a ‘peace’ sign for CHADEMA or a ‘thumbs up’ for CCM, the school audience was quick to show their support to the 20 or so students arguing their cases on stage.

Good argument: One of our upper primary students waits for a moment to present her case.
Good argument: One of our upper primary students waits for a moment to present her case.

CHADEMA’s popularity rose to great heights in the area around St Jude’s recently, as their leader is a former Prime Minister and CCM member who hails from the Monduli region of the Arusha district.

This popularity was reflected in the debate, which focused primarily on CCM leader John Magafuli and CHADEMA leader Edward Lowassa.

Senior primary principal Peter Manjella said the English department encouraged students to focus on the qualities they wanted in a leader. Edmund Mutajuka, English Department head and organizer of the debate, has also been leading students in practicing their public speaking).

Passions flare: The students in the audience reacted to the arguments from their peers.
Passions flare: The students in the audience reacted to the arguments from their peers.

The hour-long debate was critiqued by students and teachers alike, with the event more a chance to air opinions than decide on a winner.

Meanwhile, eight of our Form 6 graduates showed their community leadership by working at polling stations during the general election. We’re proud of Alfani, Judica, Justin, Negi, Elizabeth, Hosiana, Erick and Mrema doing their bit to facilitate voting!

Peter, who passed on the news, said he was thoroughly impressed.

Democracy in action: With the general election taking place, it was the perfect time to teach students about debating.
Democracy in action: With the general election taking place, it was the perfect time to teach students about debating.

“This is really leadership, these positions were really competitive,” he said.

“More than 6000 people applied for the 2860 positions, but they made it.”

Tanzania's governing CCM party candidate Magufuli won the presidential election with 58% of the vote, the electoral commission said on October 29.

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The entire student body and all our staff got together at our Sisia Campus to celebrate St Jude's Day with an extravaganza of singing, dancing and cultural shows.

Our talented students entertained each other with moving and entertaining performances giving thanks to St Jude, the patron saint of lost and desperate causes, and the people who have supported their free, high quality education.