Fakhoora Debates: “A New Learning and Leadership Journey”
As a part of a locally organized two-day conference on Dialogue Culture by Al Fakhoora Dynamic Futures during September in Gaza, Fakhoora students had their first debate contest against students from the University of Palestine. The conference was aimed at inspiring the youth by providing practical examples of dialogue that bridge conflicting positions, in addition to enhancing the student’s engagement in extracurricular activities.
“A fun and challenging learning journey that develops lots of personal skills, that’s the Fakhoora Debates. My first ever participation in a highly organized youth debate was held in front of audience exceeded 100 people” describes Ahlam AbuSalah, 22, a fifth year student of Pharmacy Colleague in Al-Azhar University in Gaza Fakhoora Dynamic Futures Scholar.
Ahlam mentioned, “the intensive training we received in Al Fakhoora has dramatically improved my debating, listening skills, and self-esteem.
Three students represented Fakhoora, debating three University of Palestine Students on “the necessity of a Dialogue Culture” from a social, community, peer, and family context. A vibrant and challenging discussion was held with students offering strong support for their ideas, yet respectfully challenging one another’s opinions.
The “Dialogue Culture” conference discussed academic research by 13 professors from local universities in Gaza, along with main contributions from two Fakhoora alumni who spoke about their experience with the Fakhoora Virtual Majlis platform as an approach to cultural and sociological debate with the west. The conference concluded its session with recommendations on further enhancing Fakhoora’s debate approach among Gaza youth.
Ahlam says that “this interesting debate increased my knowledge on the topics, opened new dimensions of discussion, and enhanced myself confidence. Most importantly though, it helped my teamwork skills while working with my fellow Fakhoora Scholars.”