Shamsullo Mirzoev: Organizing Tajikistan's First Access Debate Competition

Participants at the American Corner 

Shamsullo Mirzoev, along with English Access students and Young Leader Program participants in Rasht, have organized the first English Access Debate Tournament in Tajikistan. 

This project engaged seven boys and five girls from Gharm, Qurghan-Teppa and Kairokkum, as well as one team of three students from Multkid in Dushanbe. Students started their debates at the American Corner in Gharm and had the opportunity to travel to The American Corner in Qurghan-Teppa, Dushanbe, and the Multikid Center in Kairokkum  

Participants Visiting Famous Attractions in Tajikistan

While students were exposed to the styles and techniques of debating, they also enjoyed an immersive education program centered around culture and leadership development. Students visited local sites at the different cities - Bibikhonum in Qurghan-Teppa, Nosiri Khusrav and Ismoili Somoni Parks in Dushanbe, and Arbob Palace in Khujand. These trips exposed the students to new regions and famous landmarks of their country. 

A wide range of topics were covered in the debates, including: "English is more useful than Russian in Tajikistan”, “mothers should stay at home and look after their children”, and "“Students should be required to wear uniforms at school”.

Students Engaging in Lively Debates 

The program gave students an exciting avenue for practicing their English, critical thinking skills, and persuasive skills.