POLOKWANE – Chris and his wife moved to South Africa in 2005 from his hometown, Lilongwe in Malawi to begin his illustrious career as a teacher.
He began his career at Eagle’s Nest and 11 years down the line he is the head of department for the intermediate phase, an outstanding debating coach, and English teacher for the Gr 4 to 7 learners. Pamela is also an educator at Eagle’s Nest for the foundation phase learners.
With two young sons born in South Africa (SA), Lojenzo (Gr 6) and Taitawa (Gr 1), Chris and his wife plan to open their own school when they return to Malawi.
“One of the first things I noticed about the learners in SA is how witty and outspoken they are, more so than the children in Malawi. Now, 11 years later I still love how expressive the children here are and that, for me, is a special gift to have as a child. The future needs leaders who can speak their mind, do research and pose sensible arguments. That is one of the gifts I will take with me from SA,” he said.
He fully discovered the value of debate when he was offered the position of debating coach in 2008 at Eagle’s nest.
“Although it was unexpected, I gladly accepted the challenge. My interest in debating go back to my own schooldays in Malawi where I often took part in debates and learned the skills I needed to be a debating coach.”
His appointment soon bore fruit and in 2009 he accompanied a debating team of Gr 8 learners to represent Limpopo in the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement’s (SAASTA) National Science and Technology Debating Competition. His team won second place overall, a remarkable feat considering that they had to face off against Gr 12 learners with many years of experience.
The 2009 second place win was a clear indication of what was yet to come and paved the way for upcoming debate competitions.
The Eagle’s Nest debate team won the prestigious Mayoral Debate Trophy in 2010 and were the reigning champions up until 2015. They also won the laurels for the annual University of Limpopo Vice-chancellor Debating Championship three times, in 2010, 2015, and this year.
Chris received an award of recognition for his contribution to debate in the city from the Polokwane Municipality at this year’s Mayoral Debate Trophy competition.
“I believe debating is a valuable skill for everyone. That is why I want to encourage a love for debating in as many learners as possible as it helps them develop their minds and critical thinking abilities. When they are part of a debating team, they learn skills like researching certain subjects, preparing arguments or counter-arguments, the ability to question things along with improving their general knowledge. All these skills help to improve their overall academic performance as is evident with this year’s Top 10 learners at Eagle’s Nest. They all were or still are part of the school’s debating team which I believe played a vital part in their success.”
He added the beauty of debating is that it helps learners to become critical thinkers, and he believes Africa as a whole are in need of people and leaders with these abilities.
Chris said although he is excited for what the future might hold for him and his family in Malawi, he will sorely miss the people of Polokwane, Limpopo and South Africa in general.
“Many of the people we met became close friends, almost like family, to us. It is sad to leave the country after 11 wonderful years but we are eager to put the knowledge and experience we acquired during our time here to good use in improving the lives of others in Malawi,” he concluded.
