Student Debates: How Zambian Students Are Using Journalism to Confront Environmental Challenges

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The Mwaka Nawila Foundation, with support from the Pulitzer Center, organized a series of debate activities across five secondary schools, engaging 250 learners and 16 teachers. Drawing on Pulitzer Center-supported journalism, the initiative encouraged students to investigate pressing issues such as environmental pollution, public health, transportation, and sustainable development through structured, evidence-based discussions. By connecting investigative reporting with classroom learning, the debates challenged learners to think critically, communicate effectively, and propose solutions to real challenges affecting their communities.

The debates were inspired by Pulitzer Center-supported reporting, including Kang-Chun Cheng's "The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Is an Endurance Test for Travelers" and Cindy Sipula's "Government Implements Emergency Measures To Alleviate Load Shedding Crisis in Zambia," among other stories highlighting environmental and development issues across the region. These reports provided learners with credible, real-world evidence that enriched classroom discussions and encouraged them to analyze how journalism can inform public understanding and decision-making.

Across all five schools, learners demonstrated impressive growth in confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. Participants researched the issues, presented evidence-based arguments, responded thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints, and supported their claims with facts drawn from the reporting. The debates created a respectful environment where students learned to listen, challenge ideas constructively, and appreciate diverse perspectives.

For many students, the experience was personally transformative.

"Today I can be confident and I can speak up to the world... I can do it without fear."
— Lina Nayami, Helen Kaunda Girls Secondary School

Another learner reflected on how the debates helped her overcome one of her greatest fears.

"The debate has helped me face my phobia of people, crowds, and speaking in public."
— Angela Chabu

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Beyond strengthening communication skills, the debates deepened learners' understanding of environmental issues affecting Zambia, particularly the impacts of mining, pollution, and public health. Students explored how evidence-based journalism can help communities better understand these complex challenges while recognizing the importance of verifying information before forming opinions. The activities demonstrated that journalism is not only a source of information but also a catalyst for inquiry, dialogue, and civic participation.

Teachers observed that the impact extended well beyond the competition itself. Students who were often reluctant to speak in traditional classroom settings became active participants, asking thoughtful questions and engaging respectfully with differing opinions. The debates also strengthened teamwork, leadership, and analytical thinking while providing educators with a practical model for integrating investigative journalism into classroom instruction.

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More than simply selecting finalists for an inter-school competition, the initiative demonstrated the power of partnerships between educators, civil society organizations, and journalism. By transforming Pulitzer Center-supported reporting into meaningful classroom experiences, the Mwaka Nawila Foundation is helping cultivate a generation of learners who are equipped to analyze evidence, amplify community voices, and contribute thoughtfully to solutions for Zambia's environmental and development challenges. As these students prepare for the Inter-Schools Final Debate Program, they are not just becoming stronger debaters—they are developing the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to become informed citizens and agents of positive change.