Help Ukrainian Students Reach WSDC 2026

Two IDEA member organizations - the Czech Debate Association (ADK) and the Ukrainian NGO New Vision - have launched a fundraising campaign to support a team of Ukrainian students competing at the World Schools Debating Championship 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya (14–24 July 2026).

Who are we supporting?

The team consists of five Ukrainian high school students (aged 15–19), all of whom are Ukrainian refugees currently living in Lithuania and studying at Gravitas School. Despite displacement, they continue to actively debate, train, and prepare for international competition. The students will be accompanied by an adult coach and adjudicator.

Why this matters

Debating teaches critical thinking, structured argumentation, and respectful engagement with complex and controversial issues. International tournaments like WSDC allow students to apply these skills in a demanding, inspiring environment while building friendships across borders.

The World Schools Debating Championship is the most prestigious high school debating competition in the world, bringing together around 80 national teams each year. Supporting participation in WSDC means supporting access to high-quality education, resilience, and international exchange - values shared across the IDEA network.

The fundraising campaign is now live, and your support can make Ukraine’s participation possible.

We invite IDEA member organizations, partners, alumni, and friends to:

• Donate to help cover travel, accommodation, and participation costs

• Share the campaign within your organizations and networks

• Stand in solidarity with Ukrainian students and debate educators

Support the campaign here: https://whydonate.com/fundraising/ukraineatwsdc or click the button

Every contribution — financial or through sharing the campaign — helps ensure that debate remains accessible, international, and inclusive, even in times of crisis.