CSAAE YOUTH ETHICS DEBATE

Call for Applications  

Application Deadline: April 6th 2021 

The Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics invites you to participate in the maiden edition of the Youth Ethics Debate.

The aim of this debate is to deepen citizens’ understanding of issues around the covid-19 disease and its safety measures including the covid-19 vaccine. This will enable citizens make informed decisions while also shaping public policy.

As it currently stands, nothing is more contested across the globe today than the facticity of the covid-19 disease, its mode of transmission, health impact and safety measures. Even more contested is the legal and ethical implications of the safety measures imposed by governments and organizations to curtail the spread of this virus including the distribution of the recently developed covid-19 vaccine.

In some countries, employers are already requiring employees to be tested and vaccinated as a condition for employment. Some organizations especially transport companies are requiring testing and face masks for travels. Now, many are considering proof of vaccination as condition for travels. Most African presidents have made non-wearing of face mask in public an offense punishable with imprisonment. While some people are pushing back on these mandates arguing that they violate the individual’s right to privacy and freedom of choice, therefore, illegal and unethical; others are supporting it on grounds of public health safety. These controversies have left many citizens confused as to how to respond legally and ethically while some policy makers are only flip flopping on covid-19 issues.

Studies show that this controversy is quite widespread among African youths because of the too many misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media. Since youths make up over 60% of the African population, it means that about 60% of Africans need some clarity about the covid-19 disease and safety measures including the vaccine. The rest of older citizens also depend on the youths to clarify this controversy for them through evidence-based rhetoric. Because parents depend on their more informed children (youths) for clarity on issues like this and youths listen more to their peers, a well-organized evidence-based debate on covid-19 would help millions of Africans make informed decisions about covid-19 safety measures including face masks and the vaccine.

Competition Mode:

• The competition shall be in three stages.
• The first stage of the competition shall be the submission and evaluation of video entries. Best five entries shall be rewarded through judges’ evaluation and public votes.
• Four teams shall advance to compete at the second stage of the debate. This stage shall be an oral debate competition.
• Two teams shall advance to compete at the final stage.
• Due to covid-19 restrictions, the debate shall be virtual.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an African youth resident anywhere in the world.
• Must be between 16-35 years old.
• Must have completed secondary school education.

Entry Guidelines:

• Make a one minute video on the topic: Should Face Masks and Covid-19 Vaccine Be Mandatory?
• Upload your video to  CSAAE Facebook Page as public post or or send to us as a DM on WhatsApp: +2348165047214 (https://wa.me/message/H3SVPJTU6B2OE1) or via email: yeap@csaaeinc.org.
• Complete the application form and submit the link to your video.
• N.B: Submissions can be on individual or team basis. Maximum number of persons per team is two (2).

Prizes/Award:

• 1st Prize: ₦300,000 (1 Team).
• 2nd Prize: ₦200,000 (1 Team).
• 3rd Prize: ₦100,000 (2 Teams).
• Consolation prizes for qualifying video entries: ₦20,000 (5 entries).

For participation/sponsorship, contact Francisca: +2348168184714; Davidson: +2348165047214.