Draft:Debate For All

Debate For All (DFA) is Asia’s leading social venture focused on debate education, reaching over 60,000 individuals in over 8 countries through the creation of debate-oriented opportunities and platforms across the continent. The mission of DFA is to create a society in which everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can access debate education and apply the core values of debate in pursuing their academic and professional endeavors.

Founded by Juseung Yi in May 2012 and officially incorporated in August 2013, Debate For All has significantly influenced debate education in South Korea. To further expand its impact, Debate For All Vietnam was established by Hyewon Rho in Hanoi. This initiative aims to address educational inequality and narrow achievement gaps in Vietnam through debate.

DFA offers various debate programs for students, educators, and professionals. They also host competitions and events in partnership with government agencies, educational institutions, and private organizations.

History and Growth

2012-2013: Foundation and Early Development

• Launched English and Korean debate programs in public schools across the Seoul metropolitan area.
• Created specialized debate programs to help North Korean refugees integrate socially and academically.
• Provided support and consultation for the Osan City Debate Project.

2014-2016: Recognition and Program Expansion

• Launched the Debate Coach Certification Program and introduced debate programs for students and teachers in Japan.
• Received the Korea Value Management Award for Education Brand.
• Recognized as an Innovative Education Institution by LIFE Innovation Korea and POWER KOREA.
• Established the Korea Debate League, furthering the reach and impact of debate education to community child centers.

2017-2019: Innovative Programs and Partnerships

• Co-launched the Eduvators Xchange innovative education program to foster new teaching methods and ideas.
• Introduced specialized training programs in presentation, debate, and negotiation to enhance corporate communication and problem-solving skills.
• Partnered with universities to integrate debate education into higher education curricula, expanding its influence.
• Launched a facilitation program for organizational problem-solving through discussion and debate

2020-2021: Adaptation and International Expansion

• Launched the Online Debate School in response to the global pandemic, ensuring continued access to debate education.
• Co-developed a creativity and character education program
• Provided support and consultation for the Hanam City Debate Project.
• Expanded operations to Vietnam, establishing Debate For All Vietnam.

2022-2023: Continued Growth and New Initiatives

• Hosted the National Social Integration Debate Competition in Korea and the Speak to Inspire Vietnam in collaboration with Netflix.
• Provided support and consultation for the Nowon District Debate Project.
• Provided support and consultation for the Gwangyang City Debate Project.
• Developed metaverse-based debate programs with National Library for Children and Young Adults.

Educational Programs

Debate For All offers a wide range of educational programs designed to cater to various audiences, from youth to professionals:

• University Workshops: Special lectures and workshops focused on enhancing effective communication skills.
• Teaching Methodology Workshops: Sessions designed to improve class facilitation and the creation of debate and discussion-based lessons.
• Negotiation and Discussion Courses: Programs dedicated to teaching debate, negotiation, and techniques for productive meetings.
• Humanities Book Club Discussions: Engaging discussions centered on humanities topics and various books.
• Youth Debate Camps: Camps aimed at developing debate skills in young students.
• Citizen Liberal Arts Lectures: Public lectures covering a range of topics to foster a culture of open dialogue and critical thinking.
• Model United Nations Workshops: Simulated UN meetings to raise awareness of global issues and public speaking skills.
• Presentation Clinics: Programs designed to improve presentation skills and provide in-depth topic analysis.
• Online Education: Courses available on English debate, Model United Nations, speech, and presentation.
• Metaverse-Based Youth Debate Program: Innovative debate programs utilizing metaverse technology to engage youth.

Methodology

DFA emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and perspective-taking through interactive workshops, hands-on practice, and real-time feedback from experienced educators.

Impact

Since its inception, DFA has engaged over 60,000 students and educators across eight countries. Its hands-on approach to debate education has significantly enhanced participants' problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, presentation capabilities, and overall confidence.

Events and Competitions

Debate For All organizes and consults for various debate competitions, including:

• Osan City Schools Debating Championship (2013-2019)
• Busan City Youth English Debating Championship (2013-2015)
• Korea English Debate Championship (2014)
• Asia Development Bank Youth Debate at the World Water Forum (2015)
• World Scholar’s Cup Korea Round (2015-2016)
• Osan City National Debating Championship (2013-2022)
• Korea Debate Open (2015-present)
• Korea Woman’s Debate Open (2015-present)
• Sangmyung University English Debating Championship (2016-2018)
• Korea Youth Debating Championship (2018-2020)
• Jeong Yak-yong Humanities Essay and Presentation Contest (2019-2020)
• Pukyong National University Real Debate Championship (2020)
• The Korea Economic Daily Economy Presentation Contest (2020-2021)
• Korean Peninsula Peace Online Debating Championship (2021)
• Hankook Ilbo Social Integration Debating Championship (2021-2022)
• Netflix Speak to Inspire, Vietnam (2022)
• KAIST Library x KAI Book Debating Championship (2022)
• Vietnam Rookie Debate League (2023)
• Seoul National University AI Ethics Debating Championship for Graduate Students (2023)
• Kolon FnC Fashion Impact Challenge (2024)
• Chung-Ang University Debating Championship (2022-2024)
• Kyung Hee University Campus Debating Championship (2023-2024)
• Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies Debate Masters (2024)