Day 5: Building Arguments, Breaking Barriers
The morning opened with a deep dive into the Citizen’s Budget — a tool that lets local communities decide how public money should be spent. Armed with mock proposals and fictional budgets, the participants turned into mini-council members, debating the value of new bike lanes versus youth centers, and arguing over which project deserved the funding most. The discussions were surprisingly fierce — persuasive speeches, last-minute alliances, and a few dramatic appeals to emotion. By the end, everyone agreed that democracy was messier than expected… but worth the effort.
Then came the highlight of the day: The Great Debate.
After learning the rules of formal debating — structure, respect, rebuttals — the group split into two teams, each assigned a side of a civic question. The topics were as fiery as they were relevant: “Should 16-year-olds have the right to vote?” and “Should municipalities be required to consult youth councils before making decisions that affect young people?”
The preparation session felt like a think tank powered by caffeine and creativity. Flipcharts filled with counterarguments, teammates rehearsed opening lines, and one participant jokingly declared, “I might not believe this argument, but I’m going to win it!”
In the afternoon, the debates began. Chairs arranged in rows, a “jury” of arbiters sitting proudly in front — and silence before the first speaker took the floor. What followed was a symphony of ideas: calm reasoning, fiery rebuttals, thoughtful examples, and the occasional applause when someone landed a brilliant point. Some defended positions opposite their personal views, which turned out to be the best lesson of all — understanding perspectives beyond your own.
When it was over, the arbiters gave feedback that felt both fair and encouraging. They praised teamwork, creativity, and courage — because, really, standing up to speak your mind in front of 30 peers is its own kind of leadership.
Dinner that evening felt like a victory feast. The debates had ended, but the discussions continued at the tables — quieter now, but no less passionate. And when the day’s learning was done, it was time for something lighter: the Party Games Night.
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