St. Francis High School has emerged victorious in the Mantsopa Institute’s first-ever Tuberculosis (TB) awareness debate, decisively defeating Tsoelike High School with a final score of 69 percent to 32 percent. The landmark event, hosted at St. Francis High School in Tsoelike, marked a bold step toward engaging youth in health education through public speaking, arts, and academic competition.
Organized with the support of leading health and education organizations — including WLSA, Sentebale, Jhpiego, Cohip-Sec, Touch Roots Africa, and St. Francis Health Centre — the debate was a vibrant fusion of information and expression. It aimed to empower students with essential knowledge about TB, while encouraging critical thinking, confidence, and creativity.
The central debate theme focused on a pressing question: Should TB education be made a compulsory part of the school curriculum? Informed arguments from both teams reflected the importance of health literacy in schools. After rounds of passionate discussion and persuasive points, the judges awarded the win to St. Francis High School, who also proudly took home the event’s trophy.
Beyond the debate, students showcased their talents in poetry and spelling. Poetic performances highlighting the impact of TB and the power of awareness captivated the audience, while the spelling bee added a layer of academic excitement. The day-long event created a platform for students to express their views on public health while building confidence in a supportive environment.
A total of six debaters and several poets were awarded mathematical instruments as prizes for their participation and excellence. Though the event was not without its challenges — one Tsoelike student experienced a panic attack before her turn — all participants were applauded for their courage and contributions. Organizers ensured that every student walked away feeling valued and celebrated.
The success of this inaugural TB awareness debate sets the stage for future health-focused initiatives led by the Mantsopa Institute and its partners. With a strong message on the importance of health education and student empowerment, the event signaled a new chapter in community engagement and youth development in Lesotho.
As the trophy returned home with St. Francis, so too did a renewed sense of purpose and pride — proof that when education meets inspiration, everyone wins.
