Belgium has one of the lowest rates in educational equity in the entire OECD. Compared to other countries in the OECD group, Belgium has almost the biggest gap between the school results of the most privileged and the most disadvantageous students.

Several studies also show that the language proficiency of Belgian pupils is decreasing. Reports with declining scores for reading and speaking attainment are piling up. The most recent PISA study published on 3 December 2019 shows that one in five Flemish fifteen-year-olds does not reach the minimum level for reading.

Furthermore, with the rise in fake news and far-reaching influence of social media,  it is important for all children to be able to think critically and individually form an opinion.  In an increasingly polarized world where democracy is being challenged, constructive and open dialogue can help us work towards a more inclusive and just society. Opposites are part of an open and dynamic society such as ours. Teaching children to have a constructive and respectful dialogue and deal with controversy and opposing opinions in a peaceful way, will help us move forward as a society.

At Debateville we foster social mobility by teaching our young and most vulnerable key skills through an afterschool debating program. We want to meet today’s societal and educational challenges on various fronts.

After pilot projects with several schools and educational partners, we launched our first afterschool debate club in January 2020. 40 youngsters ages 11 to 14 from very diverse backgrounds, attend our weekly activities in the Brussels public library, Muntpunt.

Do you want to support Debateville and help the next generation to reach their maximum potential?

You can help us launch our first debate hub in several ways: We rely on financial contributions to reach children from the most disadvantageous neighborhoods. You can become one of our first supporters and donate by selecting one of the contribution tiers on the platform.

We would also love to get in touch and exchange about how we can maximize our impact together. Maybe you want to open your network to us, or take a look at our business plan? Maybe you’re familiar with how to apply for government funding or want to proofread some of our texts? Or maybe you found a video of an inspiring speech or debate online that we have to share with our youngsters. Then, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

More info
https://debateville.org/ 


Debateville
BeCentral, Kantersteen 10, 1000 Brussels
Contact: [email protected]