Methodist Girls High School Wins First ILRAG High School Debate

By Mamajah Jalloh

The Methodist Girls’ High School has emerged as the winner of the first-ever Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) High School Debating Competition, held on Saturday, 11th October 2025, at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Fourah Bay College, Freetown.

ILRAJ is an independent, non-partisan public policy research and educational think tank dedicated to advancing human rights, the rule of law, and legal empowerment. The competition aimed to cultivate analytical thinking, public speaking, and civic engagement among twenty secondary school pupils across Sierra Leone.

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of ILRAJ, Madam Basita Michael, explained that the championship was designed as a national platform to encourage youth participation in democratic discourse and equip young learners with vital life skills such as critical reasoning, persuasive communication, and respectful dialogue. She added that it nurtures the ability to evaluate evidence, appreciate diverse perspectives, and construct coherent arguments—skills essential to both academic and societal success.

Madam Michael noted that the theme of the championship was “Justice, Rule of Law, and Civic Education.” Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., she said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” emphasizing the continued relevance of those timeless words.

She further explained that justice teaches fairness, the rule of law teaches discipline, and civic education reminds everyone of their role in building the nation—especially at a time when societal values are being tested and civic awareness is fading. She stressed that the nation’s progress depends not only on the laws written in books, but also on citizens who understand, respect, and live by them.

Madam Michael highlighted that without justice, the rule of law, and an informed citizenry, no country can thrive. She described the debate as more than an academic exercise—it was about empowering learners to think critically, speak boldly, and defend what is right with respect and reason.

She urged young people to believe that they are not too young to make a difference, expressing hope that the competition would inspire a generation that not only understands and respects the law, but also defends justice and practices active citizenship.

Basita expressed gratitude to all participating schools, teachers, pupils, partners, speakers, and judges for their contributions, noting that this first edition laid a strong foundation for future competitions among young people in Sierra Leone.

Representing the leading sponsor, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), the bank’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Salieu Sesay, said UBA believes in nurturing young minds and promoting critical thinking by providing platforms for youth expression. He emphasized that the debate competition embodies UBA’s core values and commitment to education, promising continued support for similar initiatives.

Salieu also mentioned that UBA organizes annual essay competitions for senior secondary schools across the country and will launch the fifth edition later this October, with winners becoming “Ambassadors of Excellence.” He commended ILRAJ for its efforts in empowering young people and encouraged students present to open accounts with UBA.

President of the Law Society, Augustine Sorie Sengeh Marrah, praised ILRAJ for building a new generation of vibrant thinkers with innovative ideas. He urged the organization not only to host debates but to redefine national conversations through them, and thanked Madam Basita for her leadership and vision.

At the end of the competition, Methodist Girls’ High School (MGHS) emerged as champions, winning gold medals, a gold trophy, certificates, Cowbell products, and NLe 5,000. Edna Hannah Mansaray was crowned Best Debater. The runners-up, Saint Joseph’s Secondary School, received silver medals, a silver trophy, certificates, Cowbell products, and NLe 3,000, with Dennicia Conteh named Second Best Debater.

Expressing her joy, Best Debater Edna Hannah Mansaray said she was thrilled to have won, admitting that she hadn’t expected victory after a challenging week. “This is my first debate win, and I’m very happy,” she said. “I see myself becoming the best debater in Sierra Leone within the next three years and representing the country in international competitions.”

Runner-up debater Dennicia Conteh said she was also proud of her achievement, noting that although she had hoped for first place, she would not give up on her debating ambitions.