After winning the preliminary quiz round, the BOMCA team advanced to the final debate round with two other schools. In round robin format, BOMCA debated and defeated the two other finalist schools, winning 1st place overall in the competition!
The subjects debated in the final round were “Science has done more harm than good” and “Solutions to unemployment in Nigeria”. It took both subject knowledge and confidence to win. “From the beginning, we had the feeling we were going to win because our Vice-Principal taught us to believe in ourselves,” said Cal Alexis.
Indeed, Ms. Nidiamaka played a major role in BOMCA’s victory. After accepting the Nduka Anyanwu Foundation’s invitation for BOMCA to participate, Nanim began preparing her team. “Two weeks prior to the competition, I increased the rehearsal time from one to two hours every day until I was confident they were ready”, she said.
The foundation is based in Imo State and dedicated to the educational development of poor and marginalized children. They organize debates between local schools and award cash prizes to winning contestants. BOMCA’s victory earned them a 100,000 Naira (about $300) prize from the foundation!
Greater than the cash prize is the development of the Masters into Servant Leaders (Mt. 20:26) as manifested in their victory. “We won through boldness, fluency in English, logic, countering skills, and our ability to argue without written notes in hand”, said Alexis.
Ultimately, the Self-Emptying Spirit of Christ (Phil 2:6-11), the Holy Spirit, empowered Nanim and her team to make their best effort and win. With your own Self-Emptying, help HEAL continue to prepare the Masters for many future victories!