Teach Debate & Critical Thinking in Schools

The program completed its first phase between January and May, delivering 15 debate training sessions (theory and practice) on rebuttal, evidence-based argumentation, and critical thinking, culminating with teachers participating in a debate semi-final and final. Teachers are now implementing debate clubs in their own schools, supported by monitoring visits from the team that show growing confidence in facilitation.

As one teacher shared: "I could barely put two ideas together without feeling overwhelmed or insecure. But with the support of the facilitators and my classmates, I have grown tremendously... I am learning to express what I feel, organize my thoughts, defend my ideas, and, above all, regain confidence in my own voice."

Alongside the debate work, teachers have participated in six individual Life Coaching sessions and three Trust Afternoons — guided group dialogues on topics like self-awareness and emotional intelligence in the classroom. These spaces have given teachers room to reflect and support one another. One teacher shared "I am grateful for this space because it allows me to express my emotions. I feel heard and supported."

The program began with 13 teacher scholars. One teacher had to pause their participation due to personal circumstances, and their scholarship has been deferred to 2027.

Overall, teachers report growing confidence, stronger critical thinking, improved well-being, and renewed motivation. As one participant put it after five months in the program: "Today, with a heart full of gratitude, I can truly say that I am no longer the person who first arrived at CasaSito... I feel optimistic and eager to keep learning, growing."