A North East Debating Team with a difference is set to take the stage for the third year running.
2 December 2009 - Every Tuesday evening for the last eight weeks, 19 people from The Cyrenians have visited Durham Union Society’s Debating Chamber at Palace Green, Durham. During these sessions they have learned about the rules and etiquette of debating and developed skills to help them communicate effectively.
The training culminates in a black-tie event on Friday 4 December, at the Durham Union Society, Palace Green to debate the motion ‘This house believes that drug testing in schools should be mandatory.”
The Cyrenians (formerly Tyneside Cyrenians) supports vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people many of whom have suffered drug and alcohol abuse and related issues such as homelessness.
Students from Durham University have guided The Cyrenians throughout.The Second Chance Project 2009 aims to empower people who have previously struggled to articulate their thoughts and feelings.
Val Nevin, Learning, Development & Employability Manager at The Cyrenians explains:
“These skills will help people to interact more effectively and confidently and foster positive personal relationships. This is obviously a crucial step in being able to become independent and reduce social isolation.”
Those taking part will be divided into two teams of four, backed by Durham Union Society members.
Val Nevin continued
“Having turned their back on alcohol, substance misuse and other related issues, most of the people taking part in the Second Chance Debate are looking to forge careers and relationships in the outside world.
“To do this successfully, many need to establish interpersonal skills and debating is a great way to learn how to listen as well as expressing heartfelt issues in a practical manner. Last years’ project pushed all those involved - participants and students alike - out of their comfort zones and the results were immensely inspiring.
“With a strong foundation in the North East, we hope that the project will become recognised nationally. The issues and challenges tackled by this project are fundamental.”
One participant involved in the first year’s debate commented:
“It has enabled me to explain to people exactly what I mean and get my point across with more conviction. It has given me a totally different perspective as to how other people think and has been a life changing experience for me.”
A second said:
The opportunity to develop a crucial ‘life skill’ in such a prestigious setting is a great indication of just how much my life has changed for the better. The students are great teachers and I find myself looking forward to Tuesday evenings.”
University debater Tim Finlay, heading up the project this year at the University, said:
“The Second Chance project is an extraordinary and stimulating project. The tenacity and enthusiasm of everyone involved is palpable. It’s been a unique opportunity for me to challenge and improve my perceptions of drugs and addiction.”
President of the Durham Union, Tom McCall, said:
“This is a unique opportunity for the Union Society and its students. An addict is now not a statistic, or stereotype, but something far more real and human. It has been a humbling and enormously rewarding experience.”
The public debate is a University-wide event, bringing students, University Executive, members of the business community and the general public together, for a truly unique occasion.
