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The Riecken Foundation is proud of its role in building Central America’s future leaders. Through a partnership with the Open Society Institute and the International Debate Education Association, the Riecken Foundation is developing a strong debate program which provides invaluable public speaking, critical thinking and research skills. Although debate programs are not common in Central America, Riecken libraries use the model typically seen in North American high schools. Teens are asked to research information on both sides of an issue, and come prepared to argue either. Youth workers train the participants in research, data collection, argument formation, and public speaking. On a monthly basis, debates are held in each library. In order to increase their skills, and build the debate network, the libraries also participate in inter-community, and occasionally international, debates via Skype using web cameras and microphones. In 2009, the Riecken Foundation will host an international debate competition, featuring the strongest debate teams from our libraries. These debates are often public events at which community members gather to observe before they are drawn into the discussion themselves. Topics range from local issues to more universal debates around immigration, gender issues, and governance. Giving youth a public stage elevates their status, providing an opportunity for their voice to be heard. This is important in Central America where rural residents in general and youth citizens in particular have been shut out of public discourse. Already there are examples of Riecken youth-group participants going on to become essential members of their library governing committee. Debate can cultivate leaders in rural villages, encourage civic participation and strengthen communities. The libraries’ youth groups have won accolades for giving rural teens positive choices and activities, creating a disincentive for gang activity.
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