From engaging in intellectually stimulating debates on topics ranging from cloning to refugees, to meeting people from 32 countries spanning the globe, including Argentina, Czech Republic, Namibia, Brunei, and New Zealand, to visiting poverty stricken Soweto...the Bermudian National Debate Team's trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, was a cultural experience they'll never forget.

The team consisted of Zahra Muhammad of CedarBridge Academy, Jonathan Suter and Christine Mayor of Warwick Academy, and Aziza Ahad and Christie Hunter from Bermuda High School.

Out of the eight preliminary rounds, the Bermuda team managed to win five of their eight debates taking 15 judges. This was an improvement over last year when the team had four wins and 12 judges.

With this score, the team managed to qualify for the octofinals, where they were defeated by Pakistan. The end result was that the Bermudian team ranked 13th out of 32 teams. Their teamwork and dedication led them to this success.

However, the high quality of other international teams whose members displayed fluent speaking skills, good strategy and vast world knowledge never ceased to amaze the Bermudian team, and proved to be an example of what to strive for in the future.

Throughout the tournament, the team had more than ample time to mingle, interact and learn about different nationalities and cultures through debating and social functions, including a young leaders summit, a South African Braai, and a music and dance extravaganza, `African Footprints'.

Despite these, when asked what experience stood out most vividly in their minds, the team collectively agreed that although the African Safari and their unanimous win against the USA ranked high on the list, there was no question that the day in Soweto was the most eye opening experience.

In the early 1900's, the South African white government attempted to prevent racial intermingling and `sanitise' Johannesburg by forcibly removing black people from the area and putting them in separate housing in Klipspruit.

This was the first black township which would later be incorporated into the massive black township christened `Soweto' -- the acronym for South Western Townships. This area became one of the most poverty stricken and crime infested regions in all of South Africa.

During the mid 1980's, the inhabitants of Soweto attempted to destabilise the apartheid government by making the townships ungovernable. The freedom-fighter Nelson Mandela grew up in Soweto and much of his political struggle took place in this area. The debaters had an opportunity to visit Nelson Mandela's former house during their visit.

In the early 1990's, he and other political prisoners were freed and black inhabitants of Soweto were given the opportunity to vote, as democracy took hold. While Sowetans now have a new-found freedom in the political sense and the education system is slowly being rebuilt, many still live in appalling conditions.

It has been reported that throughout the period of oppression and crisis and into the era of transition, the unique character and hospitality of Sowetans remained intact. Consistent with this perception, the team was overwhelmed by the welcome received when they visited the Orlando High School in Soweto. The children's simple requests for hugs, autographs or to be in a photo, along with questions such as: `How much does it cost to visit Bermuda?' `Can you take me with you?' moved members to tears.

Growing up in a haven such as Bermuda and not having been previously exposed to poverty of this extent, the team was stunned at the conditions they saw, but equally stunned by the kindness and warmth given to them by those who have so little. Soweto was an experience that will stay with the Bermuda debate team for a lifetime.

For the team, the trip helped to raise the bar of Bermuda's debating standard, exposed the members to viewpoints from around the world, and expanded their cultural boundaries.

Much gratitude was expressed by the team to their sponsors and their head coach Gladstone Thompson, coach Linda Parker and judge Mary Murray for all of their hard work and for their faith in the team.

The team's sights are now set to next year's championships to be held in Singapore.

The Bermuda Debate Society, headed by MP John Barritt, is hoping to expand its membership and spark interest in the youth of Bermuda. For more information on debating in Bermuda, contact the Bermuda Debate Society, PO Box 2982, Hamilton, HMMX.

Teamwork: Members of the Bermuda National Debate Team and a new friend. (Back row) Christine Mayor, Jonathan Suter, Christie Hunter, (front row) Aziza Ahad, the team's new friend from Soweto, and Zahra Muhammad.

Go Bermuda: Sowetan children gather to meet some new Bermudian friends.

EDUCATION ED