Concern Primary Debates Programme 2025 / 2026

Concern Primary Debates Programme

The Concern Primary Debates Programme is a fun educational programme run by ESCI centres in conjunction with Concern Worldwide. The programme is open to senior primary students.

What are the aims of the programme?

1. Promote a deeper awareness and understanding of the global issues affecting the lives of millions of people in the developing world.

2. To provide students with a public forum to develop skills in research, critical thinking and debating.

3. To encourage students and teachers to become lifelong advocates on issues relating to development, poverty and human rights.

What’s Involved?

Students will have a chance to debate against other schools on topics linking to the work of Concern and themes related to the lives of young people here in Ireland. Debates are marked by independent volunteer adjudicators who give feedback to students and announce the winner of the debate.

Training is provided for both teachers and students by Concern Worldwide along with fun resources and videos to use in the classroom to prepare for debates

Each ESCI centres manages debates between regional schools. Each ESCI centre will organise a final between their top participating schools in Spring of 2026. Concern Worldwide will then host in-person and hybrid events to celebrate the year of debating. Check out our website here https://www.concern.net/schools-and-youth/debates/primary-school Check out our teacher information video here: Concern Primary Debates Explainer Video

How many per team?

There are three students per team but teachers are permitted to change teams for each debate. There are opportunities for students to be a chairperson/ timekeeper and researchers.

How do I sign up?

Please register your interest by completing this form:  https://forms.office.com/e/RadaxUg3Pi

Website:  https://www.concern.net/schools-and-youth/debates/primary-school