Henry says it is important for policymakers to listen to the voices of youth, especially in debates. The youth’s voice, he says, adds a unique perspective. 

“There are issues that are contentious and the youth also have an opinion on everything that we discuss as policymakers. But it’s interesting through debate you will hear firsthand what the young people have to say about sexual reproductive rights, the legalisation of marijuana, and a number of social issues and developmental issues,” the MP explained.

The debate in the school was in recognition of Mathematics Month, which is celebrated in November yearly. Henry says the exercise teaches the students how to disagree respectfully. “It promotes their intellectual capacity and their ability to argue sensibly and with respect. Formal debates would help in steering people to having respectful disagreements. You can have a good argument but disagree as humans always do,” he said.

Henry added that he will continue to support this initiative. “I have asked the Bexon Primary School to take the lead - and the prize money will be very attractive from the Constituency Development Programme. We will encourage our students to at all levels to debate.”

This initiative comes as civil society groups are calling on the government to combat youth delinquency in communities.