Chokolaate “VOICE IT – In pursuit of dispute” in partnership with Monash at UCL

By Buhushika Kumarage

“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it”, wise words declared by French writer Joseph Joubert. Chokolaate magazine proudly presents their newest project VOICE IT 2020, a virtual debating competition.

The initial knockout rounds will commence on the 21st of November where you can witness an epic virtual battle between teams from twelve reputed schools, comprising talented youngsters from the age of 16-19 as they compete for the winning title. After battling it out over several rounds the winning team at the finals, which will be on the 12th of December, will be awarded with exciting cash prizes and gifts and an exclusive feature in the next issue of Chokolaate.

Message from the organizers – Chokolaate Magazine

“We always strive to initiate new platforms for youth to showcase their talents and to work towards providing the necessary opportunities and learning in order to do so” said Michelle Gunesekera, Founder and Managing Director of Chokolaate Magazine.

“Chokolaate has a vibrant and energetic team  who work together with the same objective and will make sure that this event will only go from strength to strength in empowering youth today to become future leaders, proficient speakers and critical thinkers. We are thankful to to Monash at UCL for partnering with us on this initiative this year.

Message from the Chief Executive Officer of UCL, Mr. Gihan Silva

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Michelle and Team Chokolaate for introducing yet another innovative programm, Voice It, for the benefit of youth and creating a virtual platform to display their talents and skills to an audience during these unprecedented challenging times amidst the
COVID- 19 pandemic.

Aristotle said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it”.  An event like Voice IT would facilitate young minds to deploy critical thinking skills, reasoned arguments, provide compelling evidence, endorse contrasting ideas, and then present it confidently in a well structured and convincing manner, whilst displaying speech delivery and public speaking skills with aplomb.

In a debate, it provides an opportunity to practice effective communication, negotiation, managing conflict and collaborative teamwork. Today, we are in a knowledge economy and the modern workplace is all about dealing with other people. How well you work in a team, how well you communicate, and how well you understand other people’s emotions are among the soft skills which are of paramount importance for achieving success.  Understanding and cultivating these are essential to succeeding not just in school, but in work and life ahead.

As the premier transnational higher education provider in Sri Lanka, UCL adopts a student first approach and provides a holistic learning experience embracing a combination of inculcating world class education, developing superior skills, cultivating a winning attitude, providing international exposure and the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities to enhance student engagement and enrich the student experience.

We at UCL are proud to partner with Chokolaate for this first ever Inter-School Virtual Debating Competition.  Let me sincerely wish all participating schools and their debating teams every success at Voice It!

Message from the Head of Marketing and Student Enrollment of UCL, Mrs.Tharanga Senarathna

“Monash at UCL maintains a proven track record of empowering and recognizing young talent in our country. Being a premier higher education provider, UCL has proudly presented over 300 scholarships in the past 4 years to reward young achievers. Students with outstanding achievements in academic, sports, leadership or extra-curricular activities are offered generous scholarships up to 40% at UCL. We also organize both indoor and outdoor events and a range of extra-curricular activities to help develop student engagement and enhance the student experience at UCL. We are happy to partner with Chokolaate magazine and present “VOICE IT powered by Monash at UCL” a Virtual Inter School Debating Competition to ensure there is no intellectual lockdown. Monash at UCL is delighted to support this event as we believe such platforms can contribute to the holistic development of students and prepare them better for the future, especially in today’s uncertain world.”

For further information regarding the competition refer to the Chokolaate social media accounts.

https://www.facebook.com/chokolaate

https://www.instagram.com/chokolaatemag/