Kaja Reissaar is the teacher responsible for Jugend debattiert at the Tallinn German Gymnasium and prepares the students for the competition every year.
1. How did you find Jugend debattiert?
I got into Jugend debattiert 15 years ago completely by accident, knowing nothing about it at first. Since Estonia joined the EU in 2004, both the Goethe Institute and the German Embassy in Estonia have been constantly offering trainings to German teachers and in order to participate in the first Jugend debattiert debate in Pärnu in the summer of 2007, they had to beg me, because there were so many other options. At the moment, I can say with certainty that this first training was infectious, and the following trainings in Estonia as well as in Vienna, Berlin and Dresden taught me to enjoy the Jugend debattiert format. It was a big challenge and I think this project has a special part to play in my personal development.
2. You have also been out of Estonia with the project. What has been the most memorable moment for you?
The annual highlight of this German-language debate competition is certainly the international final, in which I have been able to participate three times: in Riga (October 2015), Tallinn (September 2017) and Budapest (October 2019). It is such an elevated feeling for the teacher if, after the final week of training, the qualification rounds and the semi-finals, your student reaches the final debate. I felt the support of the whole international Jugend debattiert family, I was proud and happy that I had contributed to the success of Katrin-Lisa Laius, who won the honorable second place in Budapest.
3. As a member of the jury, you have heard countless debates. Which debate topic has been most interesting to you over the years and what is your own position on this topic?
As a member of the jury, I have really participated in various roles in many qualification rounds, semi-finals, national as well as international finals. The topics of debate have always been politically and socially relevant and I have learned and developed myself a lot by supervising students. It is difficult to point out the most interesting topic, because every topic becomes interesting if you have a good understanding in both content and language, because it is still a German-language debate. However, I remember the question of the final debate of the 10th Estonian final in 2015 “Soll in Estonia die Wehrpflicht auch für Frauen gelten?” / “Should Estonia impose military service on women as well?”, In which I myself was completely against.
4. What would you recommend to students who are interested in the project?
The courage to decide to participate in the project and the will to invest in your future. Debating is the best way to learn and I can confirm that debating is contagious and you can start to enjoy it.
5. Why do you think it is good to take part in this project?
In this project, I only see benefits for everyone's self-development and the expansion of knowledge and through it, the overall increase in various competences. Participation in the project meets the expectations of today's society. Debating gives the experience of public speaking, the courage to present one's thoughts clearly and loudly, teaches one to stay in the given time and the ability to structure, gives respect to oneself and the other person, who has a different opinion. Participating in the project develops self-expression skills, the ability to find logical connections and see the bigger picture. The format develops analytical and critical thinking. It should also be kept in mind that the German language skills of the project participants will improve considerably and that friendships will be established for years to come. It is a great honor to be a member of the Jugend debattiert family.
6. What do you think this competition can do for a democratic society?
Democracy needs citizens who can listen and speak, as well as citizens, who can see beyond their own horizons - that is the idea of Jugend debattiert.